Correlation and comparison of dactyloscopy and palatoscopy with blood groups among dental students from Western Maharashtra

Background: Identification plays a major role in any crime investigation. Study of finger prints (Dactyloscopy) and palatal rugae patterns (Palatoscopy) have been recognized and accepted as gold standard for personal identification worldwide. Yet another biological record that remains timeless throughout the lifespan of a person is the blood group. Research works have been carried out on Dactyloscopy/Palatoscopy and blood groups independently. However, studies focusing on correlation and comparison of both these parameters have not been undertaken to a great extent. Aim: The aim of the present study is to correlate and compare Dactyloscopy and Palatoscopy with blood group among dental students from western Maharashtra population. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 dental students with age group ranging between 18-25 years with known blood group were included in the study. Finger print, Palatal rugae patterns were obtained and compared and the data was subjected to Excel sheet 2016 and Chi square test. Results: There was significant association between finger print patterns and ABO - Rh factors (χ2 statistic= 30.6, P value = 0.05). Conclusion: Hence, the study concluded that finger prints rather than palatal rugae when correlated with suspect's specific blood group - Rh factor can be used to narrow down the suspect list and can also prove significant in identifying individuals in case of any disaster. Though the comparison of palatal rugae and finger print with blood group - Rh factor yielded no result