Companies in Europe are using the patterns of veins inside fingers for identification purposes. The biometric system is used as a more secure alternative to fingerprint and retinal scans. The system was first used by banks in Japan and was developed by Hitachi.TimesOnline: Why veins could replace fingerprints and retinas as forms of ID (November 11, 2008) The device is also widely used at cash machines in Japan.

Fujitsu has an alternative method of vein scanning, where the device scans the palms of a hand. Palm scanners are currently used in registration databases for hospitals.TimesOnline: Why veins could replace fingerprints and retinas as forms of ID (November 11, 2008)

Finger vein authentication works by capturing the pattern of blood vessels in a finger. This is done by "transmitting near-infrared light at different angles through the finger."TimesOnline: Why veins could replace fingerprints and retinas as forms of ID (November 11, 2008)

The light scans the hemoglobin in the veins. An image of the pattern is photographed as a 3D finger vein profile. The results are translated to a simple digital code which is then matched with a an existing profile for identification. Since blood is required, the scan can not be done with a severed finger or a deceased person's finger. Vein patterns are so unique that even twins have different patterns.TimesOnline: Why veins could replace fingerprints and retinas as forms of ID (November 11, 2008)