Presumptive Tests for Vaginal Fluids, Outline Example

• Background on the topic
  • What is a presumptive test?
    • Objective
    • Procedure
    • Significance to forensics
  • Problem in the efficiency of using standard cotton swabs
    • Nature of cotton swabs
    • Ideal swab for laboratory analysis
    • Weaknesses of cotton swabs with respect to ideals
• Solution to improve efficiency: nylon flocked swabs
  • Definition of nylon flocked swabs
  • Rationale for using nylon flocked swabs
  • Experimental proof of nylon flocked swab effectiveness
• Pros and cons of selected solution
  • Availability of materials
  • Cost of materials
  • Suitability in field situations

References

Benschop, C., Wiebosch, D., Kloosterman, A., and Sijen, T. (2010). “Post-coital vaginal sampling with nylon flocked swabs improves DNA typing.” Forensic Science International, 4(2): 115-121.

COPAN. (2009). 4N6 DNA Swab Forensic Collection System. Retrieved November 1, 2010 from: http://www.copanswabs.com/products/forensics/

NFSTC. (2010). Presumptive v. Confirmatory Tests. Retrieved November 1, 2010 from: http://www.nfstc.org/pdi/Subject02/pdi_s02_m02_01_a.htm

Norris, J., Manning, K., Linke, S., Ferrance. J., and Landers, J. (2007). “Expedited, chemically enhanced sperm cell recovery from cotton swabs for rape kit analysis.” Journal of Forensic Science, 52: 800–805.

Voorhees, J., Ferrance, J., and Landers, J. (2006). “Enhanced elution of sperm from cotton swabs via enzymatic digestion for rape kit analysis.” Journal of Forensic Science, 51: 574–579.