Lip Print Characteristics in Anatolian Population: Baskent University Sample

Abstract

Background: Identification is of importance for any crime investigation. Among several other methods, lip prints, if available, should also be evalu-ated to point out the relationship between the individual and the committed crimes. Lip print evaluation is known as “cheiloscopy” and important for forensic anthropologists in identification process since they are unique for each individual as fingerprints. Sex estimation is from lip print. Methods: 143 male and 291 female, a total of 434 students, were participated to the study. Lip prints were taken from each individual by using a dark colored lipstick and cellophane tape and fixed on a white sheet of paper. Lip prints were evaluated after separated into six quadrants (upper lip and lower were divided into three quadrants). The print patterns in each quadrant were classified according to Tsuchihashi method. Results: Sex estimation was done by using binary logistic regression analysis. Forked grooves both in right and left upper quadrants and reticular grooves in the upper middle quadrant were the most commonly observed lip print patterns. The lower lip forked grooves in both lateral quadrants and complete vertical grooves in the middle quadrant were the most commonly observed patterns both in males and females. Statistical analysis indicated that by binary logistic regression equations sex could be estimated with an accuracy of 72.6%. Lip prints give good predictability in determining sex, but cannot be used as the key tool in sex identification.