What are fingerprints transferred from the friction ridges that are made visible by foreign substances called?

The term for fingerprints that are transferred from the friction ridges and made visible by foreign substances is known as patent prints. Patent prints are those that are clearly visible to the naked eye, typically because they have been contaminated with a substance such as ink, blood, or other liquids. The presence of these substances on the fingertips enhances the visibility of the print, making it identifiable without the need for special techniques to reveal it.

This contrasts with latent prints, which are not visible without chemical or physical processing; visible or plastic prints also refer to different conditions under which impressions are made. Understanding the characteristics of patent prints helps forensic professionals in the documentation and analysis of evidence at crime scenes.