Alternate light sources in sexual assault examinations: An evidence-based practice project

Eldredge, Kelli; Huggins, Emily; Pugh, Linda C.

doi:10.1111/j.1939-3938.2011.01128.x

Cited by 6 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Wood’s lamp evaluation of human victims of sexual assault was performed at many hospitals with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner programs, 13 although now there is a recommendation for elimination of the Wood’s lamp during sexual assault examinations. 21 In 1 study, none of the 29 semen samples fluoresced when scanned with a Wood’s lamp, 61 and another study found 0% sensitivity for detection of semen with a Wood’s lamp. 52…”

Section: Special Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 97%

Veterinary Forensic Pathology of Animal Sexual Abuse

Stern

Smith‐Blackmore

2016

Vet Pathol

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Animal sexual abuse (ASA) involves harm inflicted on animals for the purposes of human sexual gratification and includes such terms as bestiality, zoophilia, zoosadism, animal sexual assault, and others. The prevalence of ASA is not known, although it may be more common than is currently perceived. Veterinarians have the skills required to identify and document cases of ASA. This article reviews the terminology, legal definitions and forms of ASA, and its social and psychological context. An investigative approach is outlined, including an alternate light source examination; collection of swabs for DNA analysis; sampling vaginal washes, rectal washes, and toenails for trace evidence and biologic analyses; radiographic studies; and a complete forensic necropsy, including histopathology. Gross lesions identified in ASA victims include injuries to the anus, rectum, penis, scrotum, nipples, and vagina; the presence of foreign bodies; and abrasions, bruising, and other evidence of nonaccidental injury. Specialized procedures, including examination using alternate light sources and screening tests to identify human seminal fluid within samples from ASA victims, are of potential value but have not been validated for use in animals.

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Section: Special Techniquesmentioning

confidence: 97%

Veterinary Forensic Pathology of Animal Sexual Abuse

Stern

Smith‐Blackmore

2016

Vet Pathol

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“…12 Use of an alternative light source may aid in identifying body fluids and other trace evidence (including epithelial cells) for potential DNA testing. 55,56 Concern regarding contamination issues is also important within the autopsy arena. Several studies have investigated the possibility of DNA contamination in association with autopsy facilities, with evidence that so-called ''clean'' equipment, such as instruments and autopsy tables, can result in the transfer of trace amounts of DNA from case to case.…”

Section: General Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

DNA testing in homicide investigations

Prahlow

Cameron²,

Arendt³

et al. 2017

Med Sci Law

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Objectives With the widespread use of DNA testing, police, death investigators, and attorneys need to be aware of the capabilities of this technology. This review provides an overview of scenarios where DNA evidence has played a major role in homicide investigations in order to highlight important educational issues for police, death investigators, forensic pathologists, and attorneys. Methods This was a nonrandom, observational, retrospective study. Data were obtained from the collective files of the authors from casework during a 15-year period, from 2000 through 2014. Results A series of nine scenarios, encompassing 11 deaths, is presented from the standpoint of the police and death investigation, the forensic pathology autopsy performance, the subsequent DNA testing of evidence, and, ultimately, the final adjudication of cases. Details of each case are presented, along with a discussion that focuses on important aspects of sample collection for potential DNA testing, especially at the crime scene and the autopsy. The presentation highlights the diversity of case and evidence types in which DNA testing played a valuable role in the successful prosecution of the case. Conclusions By highlighting homicides where DNA testing contributed to the successful adjudication of cases, police, death investigators, forensic pathologists, and attorneys will be better informed regarding the types of evidence and situations where such testing is of potential value.

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“…To help meet those needs, forensic clinicians have a responsibility to provide a quality, evidence-based medico-legal exam (Eldredge, Huggins, & Pugh, 2012). Injury assessment, documentation, and evidence collection are key components of every forensic clinical examination.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Alternate Light Source Findings of Common Topical Products

Pollitt¹,

Anderson

Scafide

et al. 2016

Journal of Forensic Nursing

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Background One of the important roles of a forensic clinician is to perform examinations of patients who are victims and suspects of crime. Alternate light source (ALS) is a tool that can improve evidence collection and enhance visualization of injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine if commonly used topical products fluoresce or absorb when examined with an ALS. Secondly, we aim to identify patient and exam variables that may impact findings. Methods A convenience sample of 81 subjects was used. Following the application of 14 over-the-counter products, researchers observed the participants’ skin with an ALS under 18 combinations of wavelengths and colored filters. Results Of the 14 products viewed (n=1458 observations per product), six were found to fluoresce under alternate light in more than 40% of observations, 5 fluoresced in 1–10% of observations and 3 fluoresced less than 1% of the time. One product (a make-up product) absorbed ALS light consistently (81%), a second (a sunscreen product) absorbed in 7%, while the remaining 12 products produced absorption findings in less than1% of observations. In generalized mixed linear models, absorption findings were more commonly identified in participants with light or medium skin tones when compared to those with dark skin tones. Discussion These results suggest the presence of topical products may impact ALS findings. A thorough forensic clinical assessment should include a documented history, including assessment of potential sources of findings to aid in interpretation.

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Alternate light sources in sexual assault examinations: An evidence-based practice project

Cited by 6 publications

References 9 publications

Veterinary Forensic Pathology of Animal Sexual Abuse

Veterinary Forensic Pathology of Animal Sexual Abuse

DNA testing in homicide investigations

Alternate Light Source Findings of Common Topical Products

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