EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF VARIOUS METHODS OF LIP PRINTS IN GENDER DETERMINATION AND ITS STABILITY OVER A PERIOD OF TIME

Abstract

Context: Gender identification is one of the most important aspects in the forensic science. It is based on scientific principles involving dental records, fingerprints and DNA comparisons. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to apply easy techniques like cheiloscopy. The wrinkles and grooves on the labial mucosa form a characteristic pattern called lip prints, the study of which is referred to as cheiloscopy. Aim: The present study was done to evaluate the accuracy of various methods of lip prints in gender determination and its stability over a period of time. Subjects and Methods: It consists of 80 healthy individuals (40 males and 40 females) in the age group of 18 to 25 years. Lip prints were taken by lipstick, latent and digital photography methods. Data was collected by two observers at 0 month and 6months to assess their stability in gender determination. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi-square test was used. Results: The results obtained showed an accuracy of 0% and 57.5% by observer I, 30% and 67.5% by observer II at 0 and 6 th month in gender determination. The measurement of agreement in stability of lip prints was found to be 27.8% by observer II.It was found that digital photography being the accurate method followed by lipstick and latent methods. Conclusion: This study revealed that lip prints can be used for determining the gender of an individual.