Persistence of Polydimethylsiloxane Condom Lubricants1. Issue 1 (14th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tottey, Leah S.; Coulson, Sally A.; Wevers, Gerhard E.; Fabian, Laura; McClelland, Heather; Dustin, Mickayla
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 64:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 207
• Page End: 217
• Publication Date: 2018-05-14
• Subjects: forensic science -- condom lubricant -- polydimethylsiloxane -- persistence -- pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry -- sexual assault; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13816
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is commonly used to lubricate condoms. The detection of PDMS on swabs from complainants can be used to support an allegation of sexual assault. Previous research has focused on establishing analytical techniques for detecting PDMS. This research examined the persistence of PDMS on the penis, in the vagina, in the mouth, and on skin. The longest PDMS detection times were 20 h on the penis, 35 h in the vagina, and 52 h on skin. PDMS was detected up to 4 h in the mouth if the participant did not eat or drink and up to 9 h if the participant slept. PDMS was not detected in the mouth after eating or drinking. The presence of biological fluids had no detrimental effect on the analysis. Aqueous extraction of swabs for DNA did not remove any significant amount of PDMS; hence, swab remains could be subsequently analyzed for PDMS.