Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 8

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Esther Priyadarshini S.
sweet.sakki@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  The external surface of lips has many elevations and depressions forming a characteristic pattern called lip prints, examination of which is known as cheiloscopy. Lip prints are unique and distinguishable. Hence, lip prints of an individual can be used as a potential aid for identification purpose. The aim was to study the use of lip prints for human identification, determination of sex of an individual and to determine the stability of lip pattern characteristics over a period of one year. Materials and Methods: Lip prints were obtained from 100 individuals using lip stick – cellophane tape method. The analysis of the pattern was done using the classification proposed by Suzuki and Tsuchihashi by two observers. Results: No two lip prints were identical. The percentage agreement between the observers in determining the sex of the individuals was 97% with κ coefficient of 0.853 (p <0.001) and was highly statistically significant. Type II was the most common pattern seen in females. Type III was the most common pattern seen in males. 94% of the lip prints studied were stable and no significant change was observed in their pattern.  Conclusion: In the overall study no two individuals had similar pattern of lip pattern. Type II pattern was common in females and type III pattern was common in males. Lip prints were stable and no marked change was observed. The present study reveals that lip prints are unique  tool for determination of sex of an individual and stable over a period of time.

Keywords: Forensic medicine, Humans, Male, Female, Lip/anatomy & histology, lip prints, sex determination.