A retrospective study on the transfer, persistence and recovery of sperm and epithelial cells in samples collected in sexual assault casework. (November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fonneløp, Ane Elida; Johannessen, Helen; Heen, Guro; Molland, Karen; Gill, Peter
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 43(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11
• Subjects: Forensic -- DNA -- Sexual assault -- Persistence -- Transfer; Forensic genetics -- Periodicals; Génétique légale -- Périodiques; Forensic genetics; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2019.102153
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1872-4973

Abstract

Highlights: Positive results from sperm samples collected up to 72 h after deposition. Positive results from epithelial samples collected up to 72 h after deposition. High success rate from penile swabs demonstrates the importance of these samples. Abstract: Data from all sexual assault cases analysed at the Section of Forensic Biology at Oslo University Hospital in the period 2013–2015 were reviewed to study transfer and persistence of cells deposited on the body. Data were recorded on detection of both sperm and epithelial cells. The final dataset consist of 2141 samples from 765 cases. In this study "positive findings" refer to evidence to support the proposition that the DNA profile was contributed by the POI and do not only correspond to detection of cell type, e.g. sperm cells. Positive findings from analysis of sperm cells could be detected in samples collected up to 72 h after deposition, and was less frequently detected in oral swabs were the longest observed persistence time was 12 h. Positive findings from analysis of epithelial cells were observed up to 43 h after deposition. A high success rate was observed from penile swabs collected within 24 h of the incidence demonstrating the importance of collecting and analysing such samples in cases where no semen is detected.