a fingerprint capture or processing apparatus incorporates a casing defining a sealable chamber , a first support in the chamber for holding a source of a chemical fingerprint fixative agent , a second support in the chamber for holding an article to be tested for fingerprints , a filtration system connected to the chamber for removing contaminants from air in the chamber , and an air circulation assembly operatively connected to the casing for circulating air from the chamber and through the filtration system . preferably , the air circulation assembly is a closed system , ensuring that no contaminants will be spilled to the ambient atmosphere prior to complete cleansing of the air inside the casing . a humidity control device may be connected to the air circulation assembly for modifying a humidity level in the chamber to a predetermined relative humidity , thus optimizing effectiveness of the chemical fingerprint fixation agent .