title: DNA extraction from filter-paper spots of vaginal samples collected after sexual violence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To detect the presence of male DNA in vaginal samples collected from survivors of sexual violence and stored on filter paper.
  
  
  METHODS
  A pilot study was conducted to evaluate 10 vaginal samples spotted on sterile filter paper: 6 collected at random in April 2009 and 4 in October 2010. Time between sexual assault and sample collection was 4-48hours. After drying at room temperature, the samples were placed in a sterile envelope and stored for 2-3years until processing. DNA extraction was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction for human β-globin, and the presence of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) was quantified. The presence of the Y chromosome was detected using primers for sequences in the TSPY (Y7/Y8 and DYS14) and SRY genes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  β-Globin was detected in all 10 samples, while 2 samples were positive for PSA. Half of the samples amplified the Y7/Y8 and DYS14 sequences of the TSPY gene and 30% amplified the SRY gene sequence of the Y chromosome. Four male samples and 1 female sample served as controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Filter-paper spots stored for periods of up to 3years proved adequate for preserving genetic material from vaginal samples collected following sexual violence.
authors.affiliation: Specialized Clinical Laboratory, Center for Women's Integrated Healthcare, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elisabete A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Campos
authors.affiliation: Specialized Clinical Laboratory, Center for Women's Integrated Healthcare, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Denise R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Pitta
authors.affiliation: Specialized Clinical Laboratory, Center for Women's Integrated Healthcare, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernanda A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.affiliation: Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Vanessa M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Campos
authors.affiliation: Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yela
authors.affiliation: Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil. Electronic address: arlete@fcm.unicamp.br.
authors.forename: Arlete
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernandes
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y; D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007610:Kallikreins / Q000302:isolation & purification; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012742:Sex Offenses; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013997:Time Factors; D014621:Vagina / Q000737:chemistry*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004247:DNA; C549870:KLK3 protein, human; D007610:Kallikreins; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen
keywords: DNA; Filter paper; Sexual violence