Abstract
Fingerprints are widely used as the most reliable means of individual identification in forensic science. However, postmortem changes of the skin always make it difficult to obtain fingerprints. To restore fingerprints of mummified cadavers, various reagents have been used. In recent years, commercially available embalming agents for cadaver restoration and preservation have been evaluated, but they have not been sufficiently compared. In this study, we successfully restored fingerprints from a highly dried, almost mummified, unidentified cadaver. Five methods were attempted to restore fingerprints: three used previously reported reagents and two used commercially available embalming solutions at room temperature. The fingers were observed grossly after immersion for 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days. When all the specimens were well restored, fingerprints were taken by the inked impression method and by an indirect method using silicone rubber. The results indicated that Na2CO3, and Sofner® were more effective to restore clear fingerprints. The other solutions failed to produce optimal tissue softening and swelling, and the dermal ridges were ill-defined. The conventional Na2CO3 and the newly tested Sofner® were useful in that they restored better fingerprints in a shorter duration. Na2CO3 has to be prepared before use, whereas Sofner® can be used by simply diluting with water
Highlights
Several methods are used in forensic sciences for individual identification of cadavers, such as sex, age, physical characteristics, blood type, DNA test results, dental findings, and fingerprints
Fingerprints are widely used as the most reliable means of personal identification, because no two persons have identical dermal ridge patterns, and the patterns of any one individual remain unchanged throughout life [1,2,3,4]
The important precaution taken in recreating the fingerprints of this case was to allow the dried and rigid skin of the mummified fingers to hydrate and elevate sufficiently, and prevent injury to the skin of the fingers during the experimentation
Summary
Several methods are used in forensic sciences for individual identification of cadavers, such as sex, age, physical characteristics, blood type, DNA test results, dental findings, and fingerprints. Fingerprints are widely used as the most reliable means of personal identification, because no two persons have identical dermal ridge patterns, and the patterns of any one individual remain unchanged throughout life [1,2,3,4]. Postmortem changes of the skin of fingers present problems with fingerprinting. Methods of taking fingerprints appropriate for the state of rigor mortis, putrefaction, mummified, and burned bodies were investigated [5]. To restore fingerprints of mummified cadavers, various reagents have been reported. Commercially available embalming agents for cadaver restoration and preservation have been evaluated [6,7], but they have not been compared sufficiently
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