Which types of swabs are listed as potential evidence from the victim?

Which types of swabs are listed as potential evidence from the victim?

• A. Vaginal and oral swabs (if appropriate)
• B. Nasal swabs
• C. Ear swabs
• D. Rectal swabs

Answer: (A)

In evidence collection for sexual assault cases, swabs from the victim are used to recover DNA and trace fluids. Vaginal and oral swabs are listed because they target the fluids most likely to be exchanged during intercourse—semen in the vaginal tract and saliva or trace DNA in the mouth or on the lips. Collecting these swabs, when appropriate, provides the best chance to obtain DNA for analysis and comparison to a suspect. Nasal, ear, or rectal swabs aren’t standardly collected from the victim in all cases and are only used in specific circumstances, so they’re not the typical items listed as potential evidence from the victim.

In evidence collection for sexual assault cases, swabs from the victim are used to recover DNA and trace fluids. Vaginal and oral swabs are listed because they target the fluids most likely to be exchanged during intercourse—semen in the vaginal tract and saliva or trace DNA in the mouth or on the lips. Collecting these swabs, when appropriate, provides the best chance to obtain DNA for analysis and comparison to a suspect. Nasal, ear, or rectal swabs aren’t standardly collected from the victim in all cases and are only used in specific circumstances, so they’re not the typical items listed as potential evidence from the victim.