Pattern of Fingerprint Pattern and Ridge Density in Unidentified Bodies-An Autopsy Study

The present study was undertaken to determine the fingerprint pattern, and gender determination using finger print ridge density. The fingerprints were collected from 100 unidentified bodies (60 males and 40 females) autopsied at Victoria and Bowring and Lady Curzon hospitals in Bangalore by simple random technique in the age group of 18–60 years. After taking fingerprints, each fingerprint is analysed using a magnifying lens to determine its pattern and then the ridges were counted in the upper portion of the radial border of each print for all ten fingers and mean value is calculated. It represents the approximate number of ridges for that particular individual. The present study shows that loops were the most common pattern followed by whorls and arches in both hands in males and females. A fingerprint with a ridge count of <=14 ridges/25 mm² is more likely to be of male origin and that of >=15 ridges/25 mm² is likely to be of female origin. The results of the study thereby support the hypothesis that women have a statistically significant greater ridge density than men.