NEW, EASY AND EFFECTIVE METHOD TO TAKE DERMATOGLYPHIC PRINTS

Abstract

Introduction: The most common method used to take dermatoglyphic prints is the ‘Ink method’. It has a few drawbacks because it is not subject friendly or user friendly. In spite of this alternative methods have been rarely described. We experimented with different methods and found an innovative, easy, effective and very economical method to obtain the dermatoglyphic prints by using a ‘Lip Stick’.

Methodology: The lip Stick method was perfected and steps documented. A100 medical students were adequately trained and divided into smaller groups. They performed the ‘Dermatoglyphic Print’ obtaining and analysis process, by both the conventional ‘Ink method’ and by the new ‘Lip Stick’ method. They then evaluated both the procedures under headings of ease of procedure, clarity, ease of analysis and subject friendliness by questionere method.

Results: The lipstick method was found to be more easy to perform (94%), better in clarity (63%), easier to analyze (55%) and very much subject friendly (100%) when compared to the ink method.

Conclusion: This ‘Lip stick’ method is easy, subject friendly, user friendly and as efficient for analysis as the conventional method of printer’s ink, and very cheap compared to the other hi tech methods. We recommend that this method should be used preferably for dermatoglyphic studies.