Relationship between Pattern of Fingerprints and Blood Groups

Abstract

Background and Aim: Fingerprints are a unique identification tool useful in the forensic investigation for detection of crimes. The probability of two people having an identical pattern of fingerprints is one in 64,000 million. The ridge pattern of fingerprints developed during fetal period do not change throughout their life until skin decomposes. The pattern of fingerprints differ widely with blood group variation. Therefore, the present study aimed to correlate the pattern of fingerprints with blood groups. Methodology: This prospective study was conducted on 178 medical students (MBBS and BDS) in the Department of Forensic Medicine, District Headquarters Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi for the period from November 2021 to April 2022. Prior to study conduction, ethical approval was taken from the institutes research and ethical committee. Written informed consent was obtained from each individual. Participants with known blood groups having age range from 17 to 23 years were enrolled. Ink method was used for taking fingerprints. Patterns of fingerprints were categorized as loops, whirl, arches, and composite. SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total 178 medical students, there were 48 (27%) male and 130 (73%) females. The overall mean age was 21.6 ± 1.4 years with an age range from 17 to 23 years. Out of total medical students, the incidence of blood group A, B, AB, and O was 53 (29.8%), 31 (17.4%), 19 (10.7%), and 75 (42.1%) respectively. The prevalence of Rh-positive was 90.4% (n=161) among the studied cases. Loop pattern was the most prevalent fingerprints pattern observed in 95 (53.4%) cases. Majority of loop patterns were seen in blood group O participants. Other fingerprints pattern such as whorls, arches, and composite were found in 49 (27.5%), 24 (13.5%), and 10 (5.6%) respectively. Conclusion: The present study concluded that blood group “O” was the most prevalent group followed by A, B, and AB. Loop was the most common pattern of fingerprints among blood groups especially in blood group O. The prevalence of Rh-positive was found higher among the study cases.