Sex determination from fingerprint ridge density and white line counts in Filipinos

Abstract

Fingerprints are distinct physical characteristics that remain unchanged throughout an individual's lifetime. This study derived Filipino-specific probability formulae from fingerprints to be used for sex discrimination in human identification cases. Ridge density from three different areas – distal radial area, distal ulnar area, and proximal area – as well as white line counts from fingerprints of 200 male and 200 female Filipinos were collected and analyzed statistically. Ridge densities of radial and ulnar areas emerged as displaying significant differences between the sexes, with 16ridges/25mm2 or more in radial area and 15ridges/25mm2 or more in ulnar area being more likely to be female, whereas 13ridges/25mm2 or less in radial area and 12ridges/25mm2 or less in ulnar area were more likely to be male. A white line count of 0 was more likely to be male while a white line count of 2 or more was more likely to be female. The results of this study show sex differences in Filipino fingerprints and support the observation of previous studies that females have finer ridges than males.