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. 2015 Jan-Jun;6(1):25-30.
doi: 10.4103/0975-5950.168227.

A study of lip prints and its reliability as a forensic tool

Yogendra Verma  1 , Arouquiaswamy Einstein  2 , Rajesh Gondhalekar  3 , Anoop K Verma  4 , Jiji George  5 , Shaleen Chandra  1 , Shalini Gupta  1 , Fahad M Samadi  1
Affiliations

A study of lip prints and its reliability as a forensic tool

Yogendra Verma et al. Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2015 Jan-Jun.

Abstract

Introduction: Lip prints, like fingerprints, are unique to an individual and can be easily recorded. Therefore, we compared direct and indirect lip print patterns in males and females of different age groups, studied the inter- and intraobserver bias in recording the data, and observed any changes in the lip print patterns over a period of time, thereby, assessing the reliability of lip prints as a forensic tool.

Materials and methods: Fifty females and 50 males in the age group of 15 to 35 years were selected for the study. Lips with any deformity or scars were not included. Lip prints were registered by direct and indirect methods and transferred to a preformed registration sheet. Direct method of lip print registration was repeated after a six-month interval. All the recorded data were analyzed statistically.

Results: The predominant patterns were vertical and branched. More females showed the branched pattern and males revealed an equal prevalence of vertical and reticular patterns. There was an interobserver agreement, which was 95%, and there was no change in the lip prints over time. Indirect registration of lip prints correlated with direct method prints.

Conclusion: Lip prints can be used as a reliable forensic tool, considering the consistency of lip prints over time and the accurate correlation of indirect prints to direct prints.

Keywords: Cheiloscopy; forensic; identification; indirect prints; lip prints.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Cleansing the lips of the subject thoroughly and examining for any deformity
Figure 2
Figure 2
Application of a thin layer of lipstick with a brush
Figure 3
Figure 3
Lifting of the impression on to the glued side of the cellophane tape
Figure 4
Figure 4
Transferring the cellophane impression to the registration sheet
Figure 5
Figure 5
Direct impression from the lips on to the glass slide
Figure 6
Figure 6
Direct impression on the glass slide
Figure 7
Figure 7
Lifting of the glass slide impression (indirect) on to the cellophane tape
Figure 8
Figure 8
Transferring the indirect impression to the registration sheet
Figure 9
Figure 9
Filled registration sheet
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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