An Alternate Light Source to Detect Semen

Abstract

The Wood's lamp (WL) has been used in sexual assault evaluations. Recent data have shown that semen does not fluoresce with a WL and that physicians are unable to differentiate semen from other common medicaments using a WL. Objectives: To determine whether physicians could differentiate semen from other products using an alternate light source (ALS), and to investigate whether a brief training period with the ALS would enhance physicians' ability to differentiate between semen and other commonly used products. Methods: An ALS, Bluemaxx BM500, was found to cause semen to fluoresce. Physicians were first asked to use this ALS to identify semen and then to distinguish between a semen sample and other products. Physicians then received a training class on the use of the ALS and were then asked to differentiate semen from other products. Results: All physicians identified the semen as fluorescing and 25% successfully differentiated the semen from the other products using the ALS. Products most commonly mistaken for semen were a hand cream, Castille soap, and bacitracin. After the training session, 83% of the physicians successfully differentiated the semen from other products. The ALS, while not specific for semen identification, was 100% sensitive for it. Conclusions: Physicians instructed in the use of an alternate light source (BM 500) are able to identify semen as fluorescing and can differentiate semen (after a training session) from other commonly used products.

Collection of Forensic Evidence From Pediatric Victims of Sexual Assault

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Fluorescent identification of biological and other stains on skin by the use of alternative light sources

“…Recently there have been great advances in alternative light source technologies for forensic purposes 10 . In particular the use of light emitting diode (LED) technologies promises a great reduction in the size, weigh, cost and power consumption of such sources.…”

Is Fluorescence Under an Alternate Light Source Sufficient to Accurately Diagnose Subclinical Bruising?

“…ALSs will identify areas of fluorescence (e.g., on skin, clothing, linens, etc. ), which may be potential body fluid substances (i.e., blood, semen, saliva) and allow for swabbing of those areas to acquire specimens. To determine whether the fluorescing substance (or area) is in fact body fluid with evidentiary significance, chemical, or serologic analysis of the specimen is a routine component of this process .…”