Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Directed Research Project
First Advisor
Dr. Sarah Williams
Second Advisor
Dr. Catherine Connon
Third Advisor
Kristin Van Itallie
Abstract
A new type of undergarment and feminine product is being submitted to crime laboratories as evidence for sexual assaults: menstrual underwear is underwear that have absorbency and leak-proof abilities and can be washed and re-worn multiple times. The goal of this research was to determine if semen and sufficient DNA could be recovered from reusable menstrual underwear and used to obtain quality DNA profiles. Three menstrual underwear brands of Hanes, Knix, and Thinx were evaluated. Simulated post-coital samples were deposited onto three pairs of each brand of underwear. One pair of each brand was analyzed unwashed, another set was washed once, and another set was washed twice. Alternate Light Source was used to screen the underwear which yielded negative results for Hanes and Thinx and a positive result for Knix. Acid Phosphatase yielded positive results for all Knix and Thinx samples and negative results for all Hanes samples. PSA/p30 tests yielded positive results from the once-washed samples and negative results from the twice-washed samples from each brand. Sperm recovery was significantly reduced in Thinx than Hanes and Knix and significantly reduced in each brand between their unwashed, washed once, and washed twice samples, but sperm were recovered from all treatment conditions. Quantification results from all the samples yielded sufficient DNA from all brands through two wash cycles with no inhibition and minimal degradation. Full STR profiles were obtained from all of the sperm fraction samples. Scientists should be cautious with the results, since previous sexual contact could still be present.
Rights
© The Author(s)
Is Part Of
VCU Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Date of Submission
12-13-2024