From Kit to CODIS: Comparing DNA Profile Yields From Blind Swabs and Speculum-Assisted Collection in Medical Forensic Examinations.

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.