Thackeray et al evaluated factors affecting the ability to collect perpetuator DNA from a pediatric patient who has been sexually assaulted. The authors are from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
Patient selection: pediatric patient <= 20 years of age following acute sexual assualt
Factor |
Favorable |
Unfavorable |
bathing since assault |
not done |
multiple times or complete |
clothing worn by the patient during the assault |
still being worn |
not available |
linens from scene |
available and unwashed |
not available or thoroughly washed |
patient’s acute anogenital findings |
abnormal |
|
perpetuator ejaculation |
occurred |
wore condom |
perpetuator’s age |
> 18 years of age |
|
perpetuator’s genital contact |
with genitals or anus |
|
time since assault |
<= 24 hours |
> 72 hours |
While classic types of evidence may be best collected as soon as possible after the assault, DNA evidence can persist for some time if on clothing or linens. Although the chances of collecting evidence from the subject after 24 hours are reduced, an exam should be performed up to 72 hours after the event.
Specialty: Clinical Laboratory, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pedatrics
ICD-10: ,