When using opaque lifters, what must be done before comparison with inked impressions?

When using opaque lifters for latent prints, it is necessary to reverse the lifters before making comparisons with inked impressions. This is crucial because reversed lifters will reflect the same orientation as the original inked impressions, allowing for an accurate analysis of ridge detail and patterns. If the print is not reversed, any comparison made could lead to misinterpretation, as the orientation of the features would not align properly.

In forensic comparisons, maintaining consistency in orientation and viewing perspective is key to ensuring the reliability of the identification process. By reversing the lifters, forensic experts can effectively align the latent print with the reference impressions, enabling an accurate evaluation of the similarities and differences between them.