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Re-Hydration and Printing of Mummified Fingers

NCJ Number
113374
Journal
Journal of Forensic Identification Volume: 38 Issue: 4 Dated: (July-August 1988) Pages: 152-156
Author(s)
K A Rice
Date Published
1988
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This report describes a method used to secure identifiable fingerprints from mummified fingers which could not be successfully printed during the autopsy.
Abstract
Mummification is characterized by a shriveling of tissues due to dehydration, without deterioration due to decomposition. Although mummification most often occurs in arid or semi-arid conditions, mummified bodies have been recovered from peat bogs. Due to the convoluting or wrinkling of the skin during drying, identifiable prints often cannot be taken from mummified fingers. Two operations must be performed to secure identifiable prints under such conditions. The first step is to rehydrate the finger to the point where the ridge detail is exposed and flexible enough to print. This article describes the eight-step process for rehydrating the fingers. The second step is to record a usable print from a finger. The article describes both the inked print method and the dust lift method for obtaining a print. 5 references.