Study of Lip Print in Sex Identification

Abstract

Introduction: Cheiloscopy is the study of unique furrows on the vermillion border of lips, evolving as a valuable forensic identification method. This study evaluates lip print patterns among Nepalese medical students to establish baseline data for forensic applications in Nepal’s disaster-prone context.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 randomly selected VII semester MBBS students (50 males, 50 females) aged 18-35 years at Nepal Medical College. Lip prints were obtained using dark lipstick and cellophane tape, then classified according to Suzuki and Tsuchihashi’s system. Blood group data was collected to explore potential correlations. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 with Chi-square test.

Results: Type II lip prints were most common (26%), followed by Types I’ and IV (18% each). Females predominantly showed Types I (24%), I’ (22%), and II (36%), while males exhibited Types III (20%), IV (28%), and V (18%). Blood group A was most prevalent (33%), followed by O (27%), AB (24%), and B (16%). No significant correlation was found between blood groups and lip print patterns. All lip prints demonstrated individual uniqueness despite categorical classification.

Conclusion: Lip prints show distinct gender-related patterns and individual uniqueness among Nepalese medical students, supporting their potential application in forensic identification within Nepal’s medico-legal system. Blood group distribution reflects regional genetic variation but shows no correlation with lip print morphology