Pre-Fingerprint Conditioning

Whether an applicant is being fingerprinted using ink or electronically, proper pre-conditioning of the fingers allows the best possible fingerprint images. It can also improve image quality for hard to capture subjects.

In order to maximize the fingerprint resolution and minimize the chance of rejection, we recommend the following:

  • Do not use any hand lotion the day of being fingerprinted.
  • Clean both hands thoroughly of all dirt, debris or any potential residue before capturing prints. This helps to ensure the best possible image quality.
  • For some applicants, cleaning with soap and water may dry the hands, which may cause them to need additional conditioning.
  • Our technician will take a sample print on matted paper to inspect the rolled impression for proper minutia and print quality. If they determine additional conditioning is needed they may recommend the following:

Wypall Waterless Hand Wipes

Wypall Waterless are a pre-saturated cleaner used for which do not contain alcohol. They contain natural solvents which clean, grease, and and oil from fingers and at the same time moisturizing the skin on fingertips for fingerprinting. The skin surface feels “tacky” creating the optimum conditions for fingerprinting.


Ridge Builder

Lansberry’s Ridge Builder is a unique solution that will bring excellent definition and clarity to fingerprint ridge structures. Lansberry’s Ridge Builder is applied to the finger bulbs before fingerprinting, making it possible to obtain legible fingerprints from brick masons, agricultural workers, the elderly, or anyone else who has poor fingerprint ridge structure. This product will help increase the number of successful latent print searches and subsequent comparisons by ensuring better initial fingerprint recordings. Apply the liquid Lansberry's Ridge Builder with a cotton swab or wipe disposable pad on fingers before fingerprinting.


Ridge Enhancer

Due to the activities, vocation or age of some people, their damaged and worn fingerprint ridges or lack of hydration of the skin can make it difficult to obtain legible fingerprints. EZ Scan Ridge Enhancer was developed to enhance ridge detail in these instances using a new proprietary rehydration formula. Once applied to the fingers with the built-in foam applicator pad, EZ Scan Ridge Enhancer rehydrates the skin and expands the friction ridges producing improved detail in subsequently recorded fingerprints. EZ Scan Ridge Enhancer works equally well with traditional fingerprint inking methods and live scan apparatus and won’t leave any residue on ink surfaces or a live scan platen glass.


Corn Huskers

Since 1919, Corn Huskers® has been soothing discomfort of dry, rough skin. Developed for Iowa corn farmers whose hands were regularly exposed to harsh conditions, fast absorbing Corn Huskers will soothe and soften skin. Plus, it’s oil-free so it won’t leave a residue.

The use of these solvents alone or in combination will create the perfect conditions for fingerprints which will come out perfectly.

Acceptance vs. Rejection

We view the taking of fingerprints as a combination of art and science. Years of experience capturing tens of thousands of prints have given us the ability to perform fingerprinting effectively with highest possible success rate.

We have a comprehensive knowledge of recipient requirements for all types of fingerprinting. The rejection of fingerprint cards is an unnecessary and expensive financial burden on both the individual and the company requesting the service. We do anything and everything in our power to ensure fingerprints will be accepted.

We are one of the only companies which will provide you with backup cards free of charge. In addition, many cards are rejected because either the application or accompanying paperwork is not filled out properly. We are experts in licensing information and will confirm any other necessary documentation is properly completed.

Why fingerprints may be rejected

In our best efforts to serve you, and to provide valuable information regarding fingerprinting guidelines we have compiled a list of reasons fingerprints may be rejected. This list, "the ABC's of rejection" is the reason why we are the fingerprint company of choice throughout New Jersey.

Fingerprints are not classifiable (rejected) due to one or more of the following reasons:

Black ink not used- Other colors are not accepted
Fingers not fully rolled- Entire first joint rolled nail to nail. See examples on back of Applicant card.
Fingerprint impressions missing- Must make notation why one or more fingers were not printed, i.e. amputated or deformed. If a finger is bandaged or injured, the application must wait until healed to be printed.
Fingerprint pattern is not visible to the naked eye- They must be detailed impression of the individual’s finger.
Fingers are too dry- As a result the impressions are not accurate and appear faint with minimum ridge detail.
Fingers are too moist- Dry fingers before inking to obtain detail in the center of the fingers.
Images are blurred or indistinct- Images cannot be too dark (too much ink used) or too light (insufficient ink used)
Impression smudged- Several possibilities: fingers slipped during rolling the prints. Fingerprint tech must be in total control when rolling fingers.
Improper inking- Too light, too dark, or unevenly distributed.
Information on card not legible- Please print or type information clearly.
Information on card is not complete- Please fill our highlighted fields on the card(s).
Physical Abnormality- Hard to read ridges, cracks, scars, cuts, bandages, calluses, or sweaty hands.
Poor Image Quality- Impressions smudged or wet.
Prints and/or slaps are out of sequence or reversed- Fingerprints are flat in roll boxes or vice versa.

Guidelines for Successful Fingerprint Quality Impressions

We have compiled a brief dossier with information regarding the nature of fingerprints and techniques for taking legible fingerprints. It provides valuable information to individuals being fingerprinted, and ensures that our clients and future clients have a checklist to assist them in getting the best impressions possible.

The FBI Guide to Taking Legible Fingerprints.

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