J Forensic Nurs. 2026 Mar 26. doi: 10.1097/JFN.0000000000000604. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
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.
PMID:41885911 | DOI:10.1097/JFN.0000000000000604
