Autopsy Fingerprint Technique Using Fingerprint Powder

The collection of high‐quality fingerprints is an important component of routine forensic autopsies and represents one of the several potential methods for identifying a decedent. Fingerprint collection at autopsy frequently employs a manual method using fingerprint ink and cards, although some offi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic sciences 2018-01, Vol.63 (1), p.262-265
Main Authors: Morgan, Lee O., Johnson, Marty, Cornelison, Jered B., Isaac, Carolyn V., deJong, Joyce L., Prahlow, Joseph A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autopsies
Autopsy
Dermatoglyphics
Fingerprints
Forensic pathology
forensic science
Humans
identification
Identification methods
postmortem
Powders
Specimen Handling - instrumentation
Specimen Handling - methods
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Summary:The collection of high‐quality fingerprints is an important component of routine forensic autopsies and represents one of the several potential methods for identifying a decedent. Fingerprint collection at autopsy frequently employs a manual method using fingerprint ink and cards, although some offices use digital‐scanning equipment. While these methodologies are adequate in most circumstances, this study introduces an alternative method using fingerprint powder and adhesive labels. The method is quick, easy to perform, and cost‐effective and provides the additional advantage of an adhesive label that easily conforms to the finger, palm, or foot which reduces smudging of prints in individuals with rigor mortis, skin slippage, or decomposition compared to more traditional autopsy fingerprint collection techniques. The prints can then be easily stored, either in hard‐copy form or scanned to make a digital record.
ISSN:0022-1198
1556-4029
DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.13532