NCJ Number
195927
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 47 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2002 Pages: 601-604
Date Published
2002
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study examined the use of the FISH test to identify Y chromosomes taken from samples of blood lymphocytes, bone marrow, and epithelial swab specimens following a sexual assault.
Abstract
The authors explain that currently the most common procedure to identify perpetrators of a sexual assault is to collect and analyze semen. However, in many cases of sexual assault, there is no ejaculation by the assailant, and thus, no semen to analyze. As such, the authors test a procedure in which a Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) is used to detect the presence of Y chromosomes taken from samples of blood lymphocytes, bone marrow, and epithelial swab specimens following a sexual assault. The authors explain that even when ejaculation does not occur, Y chromosomes from male cells may remain on the victim, providing valuable evidence of the sexual assault. The study involved collecting vaginal swabs at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 168 hours post coitus. Swabs were allowed to air dry for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature before being transported to a research holding area and frozen until analysis. Results showed that the FISH test successfully identified Y chromosomes up to 7 days after the assault, even in the absence of semen. The authors conclude that this FISH analysis could be considered a valuable and cost effective method for proving sexual contact with a male did indeed occur. 2 Tables, 10 references