The main methods for identifying an unknown deceased person are fingerprint identification, forensic odontology, forensic anthropology, and genetic analysis (DNA). Among these, fingerprint identification stands out as the oldest, most widely used, and most cost-effective method. One of the challenges in fingerprint identification involves obtaining an adequate fingerprint record from elderly individuals. Advanced age may cause fingerprint ridge patterns to become less distinct, and the thinning of the epidermis makes standard collection procedures more difficult. Several necropapilloscopic methods are available for use in such cases; however, because each case presents unique characteristics, the greater the range of available technical resources, the higher the likelihood of obtaining a suitable fingerprint record. This report describes the high-temperature vesication technique, which allows the use of both the epidermis and dermis to obtain fingerprint records. This technique is simple, rapid, and inexpensive, making it suitable even for facilities with limited resources. It can also be applied in any case where the friction ridges and furrows have become indistinct. Another advantage is that it does not require removal of the finger to be examined, minimizing manipulation and postmortem body alteration. The authors hope that the dissemination of this technique will contribute to its use in forensic practice and encourage further studies aimed at improving it through the identification and correction of possible technical limitations.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2021 Brazilian Journal of Criminalistics