[Using fingerprints for health diagnosis: computerised scanning validation].

OBJECTIVE Validating the computerised scanning of fingerprints as a health diagnosis instrument. MATERIALS AND METHODS A sample of n=15 individuals, two investigators X and two sample methods X. Cummins and Midlo's protocol was used as follows: computerized (M1) and traditional (M2). RESULTS M1 had greater quantitative capacity for identifying the number of lines. M1 was more efficient, having a higher level of positivity. There was no significant difference between intra- (M1 and M2) and inter-investigator (investigator 1 x investigator 2) observations, thereby showing M1 reproducibility and reliability. There were significant differences between the mean values of the squares of inter-investigator differences (M2's amplitude was 4 times greater). CONCLUSION The results showed the efficiency of M1 in processing genetic marker images-fingerprints, thus validating the computerized prototype as a diagnostic instrument health instrument.