A method for searching a database comprising data related to a plurality of fingerprints. Two or more feature points in an image of an unknown fingerprint are identified. A plurality of properties are generated. The plurality of properties are based on the two or more feature points. A number comprising a plurality of digits, e.g. binary digits, is assigned to each of the plurality of properties. In a subsequent step, a numeric representation of said fingerprint is generated based on the assigned numbers. The numeric representation is generated by interleaving the plurality of digits, such that the digits of the numeric representation are arranged in an interleaved or intertwined manner within the numeric representation. The numeric representation is used as a search argument when searching the database. The invention also relates to an apparatus and computer program product.