Trends in fingerprint analysis

Latent fingerprints are the unique impressions of various loops, whorls, and arches left behind when a finger comes in contact with a surface. As a result, fingerprints can be used as a means of identification. This discipline of identifying individuals by fingerprint analysis has been in use for over 110 years and has seen little improvement. SWGFAST states that only one of the following conclusions can be drawn based on a fingerprint comparison: identification, exclusion, or inconclusive. Fingerprint samples also have unique chemical contents that can be used to extract valuable information about the person or persons of interest. Various methods of detection are currently being researched in order to extract information from the chemical content of latent prints. These methods include, but are not limited to, spectrometry, spectroscopy, and bio-assays/biosensors. This review will address the recent developments in techniques for fingerprint analysis based on chemical content.