Lip Print as a Method for Forensic Identification on Malaysian with Chinese Ethnicity.

Corresponding Author:
Yendriwati,
Jalan Alumni No. 2,
Kampus USU Medan,
North Sumatera, Indonesia.
E-mail: drg.yendriwati@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Forensic dentistry is a branch of forensic medicine that has now become a stand-alone science. Lip print is used to identify forensic and non-forensic cases. The aim of this research is to find the pattern of lip print based on Suzuki and Tsuchihashi classification according to quadrant, to investigate the difference of dominant lip print pattern in general and also according to the different gender (male and female) among Malaysians with Chinese ethnicity at University of Northern Sumatra.

METHODS

The subjects were male and female Malaysian Chinese students at University of Northern Sumatra. The study sample consisted of 30 students, 15 each of males and females. Subject's lips were applied with lipstick and cellophane tape to lift lip print for observation. Data was analysed by using Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Our study demonstrated that Malaysian Chinese students generally have type II as a dominant lip print pattern. As shown by Chi-square test, there was a significant difference between male and female lip print patterns. Type II lip print patterns was the highest number found in males, whereas type IV was in females. In general, type II was most common.

CONCLUSIONS

The dominant lip print pattern of Malaysian Chinese is Type II. The difference of lip print pattern between males and females lies on type IV.

KEY WORDS

Lip Prints, Forensic Identification, Malaysian Chinese