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Vaginal fluid zinc concentration as a marker for intercourse
C Rogers1, G Bernstein, R Nakamura
1Department of Pathology, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Vaginal fluid zinc levels can indicate recent intercourse. Concentrations below 4.0 or above 15 micrograms/mL suggest intercourse occurred, aiding forensic analysis.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Biochemistry
- Gynecology
Background:
- Semen contains high zinc concentrations, while vaginal fluid has low levels.
- Vaginal zinc levels may serve as a biomarker for sexual activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate vaginal zinc concentration as an indicator of recent intercourse.
- To establish reference ranges for vaginal zinc levels pre- and post-intercourse.
Main Methods:
- Collected 26 vaginal fluid specimens from 18 women.
- Measured zinc and acid phosphatase levels in precoital (>11h post-intercourse) and postcoital (<5h post-intercourse) samples.
Main Results:
- Precoital vaginal fluid zinc range: 1.2–15 µg/mL (mean 4.5 µg/mL).
- Postcoital vaginal fluid zinc range: 4.0–135 µg/mL (mean 24 µg/mL).
- Significant overlap exists between precoital and postcoital ranges.
Conclusions:
- Vaginal fluid zinc levels between 4.0 and 15 µg/mL show overlap and are inconclusive.
- Zinc levels <4.0 µg/mL or >15 µg/mL may indicate absence or presence of intercourse, respectively.
- Vaginal zinc concentration shows potential utility as a forensic marker for intercourse.