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STEP 8
ORAL/RECTAL SWABS |
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Oral Collection Procedures
(collect if within 24 hours of assault and only if oral
assault has occurred) |
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This test should be done first
so that victim can rinse his or her mouths as soon as
possible. The victim should not have anything to drink,
eat or smoke for a minimum of 15 minutes prior to saliva
collection. |
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The oral samples can be as
important as the vaginal or anal specimens. The purpose of
this test is to recover seminal fluid from recesses in the
oral cavity where traces of semen could survive. |
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Collect two
cotton swabs together and swab the mouth. Give attention
to those areas where seminal material might remain for the
longest period of time, such as between the upper and
lower lip and gum. |
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Gently roll
the material from the swabs onto a glass slide which has
been labeled in pencil and contains the word “oral” to
indicate the source of specimen. After the slide has been
placed in a cardboard slide protector, it should be
allowed to air dry before sealing and labeling. The slide
should not be fixed or stained. Ensure that all edges of
the slide protector are sealed with tape so the slides do
not fall out during transport of the Kit. |
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The Kit does not provide a
slide for the oral/rectal smear. The hospital is asked to
provide one if an oral/rectal assault occurred. |
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When the oral swabs have air
dried, they should be inserted into a cardboard tube. The
end flaps are to be sealed with cellophane tape, but care
must be taken not to cover the air hole on the tube with
the tape. |
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A white label should then be
completed and affixed to the cardboard tube. |
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Rectal Swabs and Smear
(only if rectal assault occurred) |
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The Kit does not provide a
slide for the rectal smear. The hospital is asked to
provide one if a rectal assault occurred. |
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The rectal smear is prepared
by using two cotton swabs together and swabbing the
rectum. To minimize discomfort for the victim, these swabs
should be moistened slightly with distilled water. |
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After preparing the slide, it
should be placed in a cardboard mailer, allowed to air
dry, then affixed with a label and sealed. |
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After the anal swabs have air
dried, they should be placed in a third cardboard tube,
and the tube sealed and labeled in the same manner as the
oral, vaginal and penile swabs. |
