title: Chain of evidence in sexual assault cases.
abstract: Chain of evidence (COE) sampling is a legal concept demonstrating the journey of a sample from origin to court. Positive sexually transmitted infection (STI) results may have importance in criminal proceedings and require a demonstrated COE for them to be used as admissible evidence. A retrospective case-notes review of female sexual assault patients was carried out to review COE sampling in two clinics. Three hundred and eighteen patients underwent sexual health screening and COE sampling was indicated in 58 (18%). COE sampling was carried out in 44 (92%) of 48 indicated cases at the Haven (a dedicated sexual assault centre) and five (50%) of 10 at the Ambrose King Centre (a sexual health clinic). COE protocols should be in place in both sexual assault referral centres and sexual health clinics. In specialist clinics, with well-established guidelines and trained dedicated staff, COE sampling standards can be achieved.
authors.affiliation: Ambrose King Centre, Royal London Hospital, London, UK. saralowe@fastmail.fm
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Lowe
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Rahman
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Forster
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D054869:Clinical Audit; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000635:transmission*; D013048:Specimen Handling; D006113:United Kingdom