Evaluation of different methods for identification of seminal stains

ABSTRACT

Identification of seminal stains is critical in the evaluation of sexual assault victims, as it is the most important evidence in sexual crimes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate zinc [Zn], acid phosphatase [AP] and seminal vesicle specific antigen [SVSA] as marker in identification of seminal stains. The study was carried out on 60 seminal stains samples taken from normo and azoospermic men. Zn and AP were detected by spot tests and SVSA was tested by ELISA technique. The tests were repeated on the stains at different storage periods up to 2 years at room temperature. Postcoital vaginal swabs and stains at different body fluids [urine, serum, saliva] were also included in the study. The study revealed that Zn and SVSA were more specific semen markers than AP, yet Zn was more stable in the stains as it detected seminal stain samples stored up to 2 years and semen in vaginal swabs up to 5 days postcoital. All the studied semen markers were able to detect normo and azoospermic semen with no significant difference