Lip print pattern: an identification tool

Abstract

Background: Cheiloscopy is a forensic investigation technique that deals with the identification based on lip traces. Based upon the research, it was established that the arrangement of lines on the red part of human lips is unique for each human being. Objectives: To analyze and compare quadrant wise and sex wise predilection of lip print pattern. Methods: A total of 200 (18-25 years) Nepalese undergraduate students of BPKIHS were selected. Thin layer of lip-stick was applied on the lips of these sub-jects. The hinged por-tion of a folded paper was inserted between the lips and the sub-jects were asked to press their lips onto it. Only middle 10 mm of both upper and lower lips were taken as study area. The lip prints, thus obtained were stud-ied on the basis of Tsuchihashi’s classification. Chi square test was used to analyze and compare the lip print patterns in all the quadrants of males and females, with the level of significance p<0.05. Results: Type I pattern was predominant in all the four quadrants among males (62%, 56%, 54%, 57% in first, second, third and fourth quadrants respectively). In female also type I was predominant in 2nd, 3rd and 4th quadrant (40%, 45%, 51% respectively) whereas in 1st( right upper) quadrant type II pattern was predominant (37%). Conclusion: Lip print pattern can be used as an additional tool for personal identification and sex determination. Further work on the subject can help to make cheiloscopy a practical reality in the forensic identification process. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i3.9637 Health Renaissance 2013;11(3):229-233