Sex identification using fingerprint white line counts in a sample of adult Egyptians and Malaysians

Abstract

Background: Fingerprints are unique, persistent, and left on every object touched by bare hands. It can be used as a rapid and inexpensive method for identification. This study focuses on fingerprint white line counts (FWLCs) and its importance in sex estimation. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the potential of FWLC in sex estimation among Egyptian and Malaysian ethnic groups. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on two hundred adult participants, one hundred Egyptians and one hundred Malaysians (50 females and 50 males). Inked fingerprints of ten fingers were obtained from each participant then FWLC was extracted manually for each fingerprint. Results: The mean of females FWLC was significantly higher than males in all fingers in both populations. FWLC of the left index was the most significant predictor of sex in Egyptians, with an accuracy of 82% for males and 78% for females. FWLC more than seven in this digit was an absolute indication of being a female. The most significant predictors of sex in the Malaysian population were the left index and right ring with an accuracy of 80% for males and 71.4% for females and FWLC above six and seven in these fingers, respectively, was an absolute indication of being a female. The absence of FWLC was more common in males than females in all digits. Conclusions: FWLC is a reliable predictor of sex among adult Egyptian and Malaysian ethnic groups, and females tend to have more FWLC.

Keywords

• fingerprint
• identification
• sex estimation
• white line counts