A Study to Establish the Importance of Lip Prints in Personal Identification and Sex Determination
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2026.43.03.04Keywords:
Cheiloscopy, Lip print patterns, Forensic identification, Suzuki, Tsuchihashi classification.Abstract
Background: Cheiloscopy is the study of lip groove patterns and has been proposed as an adjunct tool in forensic identification. However, its utility in sex determination remains controversial due to inconsistent findings across populations.
Aim: To evaluate lip print patterns and establish their significance in personal identification and sex determination among young adults from Western India.
Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Kota, among 100 participants (50 males and 50 females) aged 18–25 years. Lip prints were collected using lipstick and cellophane tape transfer technique and classified according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: Type IV (reticular) lip pattern was the predominant pattern overall (31%). Among males, Type IV pattern was most common (44%), whereas females predominantly exhibited Type II (28%). Statistical association between sex and lip print patterns was assessed using Chi-square analysis.
Conclusion: Lip prints are unique and may serve as an adjunct tool in forensic identification. However, current evidence regarding their role in sex determination remains insufficient.
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