Frequency of Basic Types of Dorsal Hand Vein Patterns in the Slovak Population

Abstract

Introduction Dorsal hand vein pattern represents a unique morphological feature of the human body which may serve as a biometric tool for forensic identification.Study Aim The primary aim of this study was to determine the frequency and distribution of dorsal hand vein patterns in a Slovak adult population, with respect to sex and laterality of the hand.Material and MethodsThis study provides a morphological analysis of dorsal hand vein patterns in a sample of 70 healthy adults from the Slovak population. Vein configurations were classified using the 1951 system developed by Suchý, distinguishing four main types: branched, double-branched, simple, and composite.ResultsThe most frequent patterns were branched and double-branched, while the composite form was rare. No statistically significant differences were found between sexes or between hands, suggesting a high degree of bilateral and intersexual symmetry. A rare morphological subtype, labelled 2N4, appeared exclusively in females on the left hand, potentially reflecting sex-linked vascular variation.Conclusion The results support the hypothesis that dorsal venous architecture is largely determined by early developmental and genetic factors. Given the pattern stability and inter-individual variability, dorsal hand veins remain a promising biometric marker. Despite limitations related to imprinting technique and assessment subjectivity, the study offers a valuable anatomical reference for future biometric, forensic, or anthropological research.