Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
08:23
Xenograft Skin Model to Manipulate Human Immune Responses In Vivo
Published on: June 29, 2022
Transplanted fingerprints: a preliminary case report 40 months posttransplant
T Szajerka1, B Jurek, J Jablecki
1Subdepartment of Limb Replantation, St. Hedwig's Hospital, Trzebnica, Poland. afrodalez@gmail.com
Transplantation Proceedings
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Fingerprints may change after hand transplantation, but remain identifiable. This study tracked fingerprint changes in a transplant recipient over 40 months, finding no significant long-term alterations impacting identification.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Transplantology
- Dermatoglyphics
Background:
- Traditionally, fingerprints are considered permanent biometric identifiers.
- Advances in transplantology raise questions about the permanence of fingerprints on transplanted limbs.
Observation:
- A hand transplant recipient was monitored for fingerprint changes over 40 months.
- Fingerprint minutiae, white lines, and ridge distances were assessed using multiple collection techniques.
- The donor had a criminal record, with prior fingerprints stored in a national database.
Findings:
- Temporary white lines appeared but did not hinder identification.
- No significant changes in friction ridge distance were observed.
- The number of minutiae fluctuated slightly, peaking at 3 months post-transplant, with no significant long-term changes.
Implications:
- Fingerprints on transplanted hands appear stable for identification purposes in the short to medium term.
- Further long-term studies are warranted due to chronic rejection risks.
- The potential use of fingerprint analysis for diagnosing transplant rejection and informing lawmakers about recipient protection issues is suggested.
