A protocol for the forensic analysis of condom and personal lubricants found in sexual assault cases

Forensic Sci Int. 2001 Dec 27;124(2-3):140-56. doi: 10.1016/s0379-0738(01)00588-6.

Abstract

In sexual assault cases, lubricant trace evidence may supplement biological evidence, or may be the primary physical evidence where biological evidence is unavailable. This study considered a total of 50 lubricants from condoms and personal lubricant products available in Australia. Differentiation of the samples was attempted using fluorescence examination, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eleven of the samples were uniquely identified by the analysis scheme, while the remainder of the samples were separated into nine groups. As a result of this study, a recommended protocol for the detection and analysis of an "unknown" biological swab was produced.

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Condoms / classification*
  • Female
  • Forensic Medicine / methods*
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Humans
  • Lubrication
  • Male
  • Oils / analysis*
  • Oils / classification
  • Rape*
  • Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared

Substances

  • Oils