Dr. Riviello is professor of emergency medicine at Drexel Emergency Medicine in Philadelphia.
Dr. Rozzi is an emergency physician, director of the Forensic Examiner Team at WellSpan York Hospital in York, Pennsylvania, and chair of the Forensic Section of ACEP.
Key Points
- Although sexual assault nurse examiners are generally widely available, emergency physicians should be familiar with the management of the sexually assaulted patient and how to collect forensic evidence.
- Some familiarity with evidence collection procedures will make the process easier for the patient and physician.
- Maintenance of the chain of custody is important for the integrity of the evidence to not be challenged.
- Dried specimens should be collected with a wet swab followed by a dry swab.
- Change gloves frequently during the collection and packaging of evidence to prevent cross-contamination.
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