The search for reliable and secure post mortem human identification techniques is extremely important and the primary methods are scientifically more effective, including necropapiloscopy and DNA analysis. The objective of the present study is to promote knowledge about necropapiloscopy and DNA applied in forensic activities, emphasizing its techniques and difficulties for cadaveric identification. This is an integrative literature review, in which a bibliographic survey was carried out in the PubMed and Wiley Online Library databases. For necropapiloscopy, the following descriptors were used: “fingerprint” and “postmortem identification”; 245 articles were found and 6 were included; for DNA analysis, the set “human identification”, “DNA”, “forensic genetics” and “post mortem” was used; 41 were found and 6 were included, being selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Among the methods of post mortem identification, necropapiloscopy is the technique that makes the first process of identification of bodies, being able to go through procedures that aim at the recomposition of the digital pulp, as in the case of mummified and charred. It represents a cheap, simple and practical technique. Regarding DNA analysis, analyzes of SNPs and STRs were performed and samples of bone and dental matrix showed prolonged resistance to degradation. Furthermore, the probability of successfully obtaining a DNA result largely depends on the amount recovered, the level of damage, and the presence of amplification inhibitors. Therefore, although necropapiloscopy and DNA analysis have specific advantages and limitations, both depend on the improvement of techniques to overcome the limitations arising from conservation phenomena, thus allowing the improvement of forensic techniques.
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