how are fingerprints not affected by variables like body heat/injury/pressure/etc to the point that we can solve crimes using them?

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As the title says – I’m wondering how we can really use fingerprints accurately, when there could be so many variables which could alter your fingerprint, especially so that a partial print might be altered. Is it just based entirely on the ridges/patterns? Do they really not change much at all, even if you lose/put on weight, are really cold/too warm, damage your skin eg scratch or burn your fingertips, have been in the shower so your fingertips go all raisin-y, or you’re applying less pressure one time and more the next?

Sometimes when I’ve been in the bath or have been cleaning or whatever I struggle to unlock my phone with my Touch ID haha, so I wonder how reliable fingerprints actually are.

In: Biology

4 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Now days they roll your finger so they get a wide print, they also do your palms, side palms and whole hand with finger printing machines. Years ago they would have to determine by eye sight so there were multiple false convictions. Some criminals use to try and burn their finger prints with acid, heat..oh and some departments take a picture of your eyes now. You have to stare into this little machine and it takes a pic of your eyes up close which can also be used to identify you

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