For the purpose of obtaining a high level of accuracy of identification, fingerprints should always be preferred over facial images. To that end, Member States should exhaust all avenues for ensuring that fingerprints can be taken from the data subject before carrying out a comparison using exclusively a facial image. To assist Member States in overcoming challenges, where it is impossible to take the fingerprints of the third-country national or stateless person because his or her fingertips are damaged, whether intentionally or not, or amputated, this Regulation should allow Member States to carry out a comparison using a facial image without taking fingerprints.