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. 2014 May;6(2):126-31.
doi: 10.4103/0975-1475.132543.

Experimental model of developing and analysis of lip prints in atypical surface: A metallic straw (bombilla)

Gabriel M Fonseca  1 , Esteban Bonfigli  2 , Mario Cantín  3
Affiliations

Experimental model of developing and analysis of lip prints in atypical surface: A metallic straw (bombilla)

Gabriel M Fonseca et al. J Forensic Dent Sci. 2014 May.

Abstract

Background: The interaction between the offender and the victim produces visible or latent prints on objects and utensils. The study of lip prints has reportedly stayed away from the basic cinematic concept of the lip-to-surface relationship.

Materials and methods: Three regular powders were used to reveal the latent lip prints on a typical metallic straw called bombilla, and the revealed prints were photographed, preserved, and analyzed.

Results: Better definition was observed in the lower lip print, and nine anatomical patterns were identified, but a higher definition of wrinkles was observed with indestructible white powder.

Conclusion: Knowledge of labial dynamics, the real value of the processed surfaces, and the need for testing in field conditions are discussed.

Keywords: Cheiloscopy; criminalistics; forensic odontology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The bombilla, a sort of metallic straw to drink the traditional infused drink named mate
Figure 2
Figure 2
Poor quality of the lip prints developed using Silk Black “Hi-Fi” Volcano Latent Print Powder. (a) Upper side of the beak. (b) Scanned lifting tape of the upper lip print. (c) Lower side of the beak. (d) Scanned lifting tape of the lower lip print (a) and (c) photographs: Daytime ambient lightning, f/3.5 for 1/30 of a second, ISO setting of 160; b and d scannings: 600 dpi using transparency adapter, brightness and contrast adjusted using Adobe Photoshop™)
Figure 3
Figure 3
High quality of the lip prints developed using Indestructible White ‘Hi-Fi’ Volcano Latent Print Powder. (a) Upper side of the beak. (b) Scanned lifting tape of the upper lip print. (c) Lower side of the beak. (d) Scanned lifting tape of the lower lip print (a) and (c) photographs: Daytime ambient lightning, f/3.5 for 1/30 of a second, ISO setting of 125; b and d scannings: 600 dpi, brightness and contrast adjusted using Adobe Photoshop™)
Figure 4
Figure 4
Medium quality of thelip prints developed using Fluorescent Latent Print Powder, PINKescent™. (a) Upper side of the beak. (b) Scanned lifting tape of the upper lip print. (c) Lower side of the beak. (d) Scanned lifting tape of the lower lip print (a) and (c) photographs: UV lightning, f/3.5 for 1/6 of a second; ISO setting of 400; b and d scannings: 600 dpi using UV lightning, brightness and contrast adjusted using Adobe Photoshop™)
Figure 5
Figure 5
(a) Comparison of the nine anatomical patterns identified on the upper lip prints (left side) and the lower lip prints (right side) developed using Silk Black ‘Hi-Fi’ Volcano Latent Print Powder. (b) Indestructible White ‘Hi-Fi’ Volcano Latent Print Powder and (c) Fluorescent Latent Print Powder, PINKescent™. See the higher definition of wrinkles observed in the B powder
Figure 6
Figure 6
Mouth placed on the beak. Though the lips present an important deformation due to the suction, see that this mechanism does not produce dragging
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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