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From Kit to CODIS: Comparing DNA Profile Yields From Blind Swabs and Speculum-Assisted Collection in Medical Forensic
Jamie Lewis Saye1, Katherine Barnett, Sarah Pederson
1Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA.
Background:
Vaginal and cervical evidence collection is central to sexual assault medical forensic examinations (SAMFEs), yet comparative DNA outcomes for speculum-assisted versus blind swab techniques remain limited.
Aim:
To compare blind swab and speculum-assisted vaginal/cervical collection methods with respect to male DNA outcomes to support patient-centered decision-making.
Methods:
Secondly, de-identified forensic medical and law enforcement data were analyzed. Outcomes included Y-screen positivity, Y-STR profile generation, and CODIS eligibility.
Results:
Among 117 analyzable cases, no statistically significant differences were observed between collection methods for any DNA outcome (all P>0.05).
Conclusions:
Blind swab collection produced DNA outcomes comparable to speculum-assisted methods in this pilot study. Findings should not be interpreted as equivalent but suggest blind swabbing may be a reasonable option for some patients.
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