Evaluation of Efficacy of Three Different Materials Used in Cheiloscopy -A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: The imprint produced by the lip is termed as 'lip print' and the name given to the examination of lip print is referred to as cheiloscopy.

AIM: The present study was done to compare the efficacy of three different materials used in cheiloscopy - Sudan III, Indigo and Aluminium powder.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 individuals belonging to the age group of 18-25 years were included in this study. Visible and latent lip prints were reproduced on white cotton fabric, white satin fabric and white clay cup. The results were statistically analysed using chi square test.

RESULTS: Sudan III dye and Aluminium powder showed significant results when used for the development of visible lip prints (p<0.05), but didn't give any significant results for development of latent lip prints. Indigo dye gave significant results for development of both visible and latent lip prints (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The study reveals the usefulness of visible and latent lip print in individual identification.