Journal Published Online: 01 November 1992
Volume 37, Issue 6

Comparison of Fingernail Striation Patterns in Identical Twins

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The fingernail ridge patterns of a pair of identical twins were compared to each other, their parents, and an unrelated subject. The patterns of the twin's nails showed regions of strong similarity but were distinguishable from one another. Fewer similarities were found when comparing the nails to those of the parents and the unrelated control. The twins were shown to be monozygotic by means of DNA profiling. This therefore represents the first demonstration of unique fingernail ridge patterns in subjects shown conclusively to be identical twins. When the fingernail ridge patterns were examined with a scanning electron microscope, the backscattered electron (BEI) images were found to have superior contrast when compared to the secondary electron (SEI) images.

Author Information

Kempton, JB
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Sirignano, A
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
DeGaetano, DH
Division of Forensic Sciences, Scientific Laboratories, Inc., Richmond, VA
Yates, PJ
Cellmark Diagnostics, Germantown, MD
Rowe, WF
The George Washington University, Washington, D.C.
Pages: 7
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13344J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13344J