Fingerprint patterns in relation to gender and blood group among students of Delta State University, Abraka, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Fingerprint patterns are genotypically determined and remain unchanged from birth till death. Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to determine fingerprint patterns in relation to gender and blood group among students of Delta state University, Abraka, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 490 subjects, aged 17-30 years were drawn using the systematic random sampling technique. The blood group of each subject was obtained from the records in the medical laboratory register of the Health Centre of the University. Results: Fingerprints of each subject were obtained using endorsing ink and plain white paper. Female had higher percentage of loop and whorl while male had higher percentage of arch. There was no significant association between gender and finger print patterns. Within the respective ABO blood groups, loop had higher percentages compared to arch and whorl. There was no significant association between finger print patterns and ABO blood group. Within the respective Rhesus blood groups, loop had higher percentages compared to arch and whorl. There was significant association between finger print patterns and Rhesus blood group. Within the respective ABO-Rhesus blood groups, loop had higher percentages compared to arch and whorl, except in blood group O negative where whorl has higher percentage. There was significant association between fingerprint patterns and ABO-Rhesus blood group. Conclusion: The study showed that fingerprints, gender and ABO blood groups can only be used independently to identify an individual.