Correlation between lip print and finger print in gender determination and pattern predominance: a forensic study

Aims: To find a possible correlation between lip print- and finger print pattern in a group of males and females and the role of lip prints in gender determination.
Settings and Design: Lip prints and finger prints of 200 individuals with age of 18 years onward was included in the study and divided into 2 equal group of male and female.
Methods and Material: lip print were obtained by applying dark coloured lipstick on vermillion zone, glued portion of cellophane tape were applied to lips with gentle pressure, then the cellophane tape is lifted and stuck to A4 size sheet. Finger print of all 5 fingers were obtained with the help of ink pad stamp on same A4 size sheet. Both registrations were visualized by magnifying lens and classified according to Tsuchihashis. Classification for lip print and Hennery’s classification for finger print. Statistical analysis used: All data collected was analysed statistically by Pearson Chi-Square Test.
Results: Type I & III lip print pattern was most predominant in females (45%) and males (34%) respectively. Loops and whorls finger print pattern was most predominant in females (66%) and males (22%) respectively. A possible correlation was seen with loop finger print with type I lip print and whorl finger print with type III lip print in females and males respectively. But the correlation was statistically non-significant.
Conclusions: The present study showed the positive correlation between lip prints and finger prints but it is not statistically significant, this can be attributed to smaller sample size. Similar study with larger sample size is indicated.