Analysis of Thumb Print Patterns in Relation with Blood Group among Medical Students: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Dermatoglyphics or fingerprint is defined as the systematic study of natural occurring epidermal ridges and their arrangement on palm, sole and digits. A person’s fingerprint is permanent even before they are born, at about 21st week fingerprint pattern is completely developed. In 1901 Karl Landsteiner discovered Blood group system. As it is observed that dermatoglyphics and blood group typing have genetic inheritance, so we have made an effort to analyse thumb print patterns in relation with blood group. Material & Methods: A Descriptive cross sectional study was accomplished among 200 medical students from 1st and 2nd prof MBBS studing in SKMC Muzaffarpur. After obtaining written informed consent thumb print patterns were recorded using the violet stamp pad of camlin company size 15.9cm: 9.6cm. Result: Majority of subjects belongs to B (88) blood group followed by O (68), A (24) and AB (20).The majority (94%) belong to the Rh +ve blood group. Loop patterns were the most common primary thumbprint pattern followed by whorls and arches in both males & females in all blood groups. In our study we found insignificant relation between fingerprint (thumb) patterns and ABO blood group typing. Conclusion: Our results suggest that thumb print and ABO blood groups can only be assessed independently to establish the identity of an individual.