NCJ Number
246389
Journal
Forensic Science International: Genetics Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 367-379
Date Published
May 2013
Length
13 pages
Annotation
A fluorescence-based assay specifically targeting human spermatozoa was tested and optimized for best staining results using a variety of mock sexual assault samples.
Abstract
Swab clippings versus whole swabs were evaluated for best sample preparation and to simplify workflow (direct application versus swab extraction). The practicality and sensitivity of Sperm Hy-Liter was compared to the current phase contrast microscopy protocol for searching for the presence of spermatozoa. Sperm Hy-Liter was more sensitive than phase contrast microscopy and was able to detect spermatozoa more effectively in actual sexual assault samples (recent [N = 240] or 24 years old [N = 4]) containing few spermatozoa. Correlations were drawn between the Sperm Hy-Liter spermatozoa counts and the AmpFlSTR Profiler Plus male profiles generated from the sperm cell DNA fractions of semen containing swabs and swab clippings. In addition, recovered spermatozoa from Sperm Hy-Liter-stained slides with greater than 40 spermatozoa produced full STR male profiles in 20.3 percent of slides tested and partial STR male profiles in 52.8 percent of slides tested. The adoption of Sperm Hy-Liter offers a means to standardize and improve the efficiency of the microscopic screening of sexual assault evidence. (Published Abstract)