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

Maynard P, Allwell K, Roux C, Dawson M, Royds D

Forensic science international

Dec 27, 2001

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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.

Affiliation

Department of Chemistry, Materials and Forensic Science, University of Technology, Sydney, P.O. Box 123, Broadway NSW 2007, Sydney, Australia. [email protected]