Tuntomärkä

Tuntomärkä is a Finnish term that translates to "fingerprint wetness" or "wet finger." It refers to the residue left on a surface after a finger has been wet and then touched it. This residue is typically a combination of water and natural oils or dirt present on the skin.

The phenomenon is commonly observed on smooth surfaces like glass, polished metal, or certain plastics. When a wet finger slides across such a surface, the water spreads out and then evaporates, leaving behind the trace of the finger's contact. The pattern of the residue can sometimes resemble a partial or smudged fingerprint, though it lacks the detailed ridge patterns of a true latent fingerprint.

Tuntomärkä is not typically considered a significant forensic evidence marker. While it indicates recent contact, it does not provide the unique identification that a full fingerprint does. Forensic investigators may note its presence as general evidence of handling, but it is rarely the primary focus of an investigation. The term is more commonly encountered in everyday observations rather than in specialized scientific or forensic contexts. The clarity and visibility of tuntomärkä depend on the type of surface, the amount of moisture on the finger, and the presence of any contaminants.