title: Urine specimen collection following consensual intercourse - A forensic evidence collection method for Y-DNA and spermatozoa.
abstract: The purpose of the prospective research was to evaluate the benefit of urine specimen as a collection technique for biological forensic evidence in adult volunteers following consensual intercourse. For detecting Y-chromosomal material Buccal Swab Spin Protocol(®) was used in DNA extraction and purification and samples were analysed with Quantifiler Y Human Male DNA Quantification Kit(®). The time frame for positive Y-DNA was evaluated. Immediate microscopy for detection of spermatozoa was performed. Y-DNA was detected in 173/205 (84.4%) urine samples. Of the 86 first post-coital void urine samples available, Y-DNA was detected in 83 (96.5%) specimens. Of the 119 urine samples from volunteers with post-coital activities Y-DNA was still measurable in 70 (58.8%) urine specimens. The male DNA amount was below 0.023 ng/μl in 28/153 (18.3%) urine samples. Of the 22 urine samples obtained after 24 post-coital hours, 9 (40.9%) were still Y-DNA positive. No associations were found between coital durance, coital frequency during the past two weeks prior to the study intercourse, post-coital activities, and the urine sample Y-DNA positivity. Of the 111 urine samples where the immediate microscopy was performed, in 66 (59.5%) samples spermatozoa were verified and one sample even contained motile spermatozoa. Microscopy detected 66 (67.3%) and failed to detect spermatozoa in 32 (32.7%) of Y-DNA positive samples. In addition to conventional invasive swab techniques, urine samples seem to be an effective biological trace collection method for Y-DNA and spermatozoa within 24 h following penile-vaginal penetration. Furthermore, it may be considered as a non-invasive collection method in suspected acute child sexual abuse cases to diminish time delay in forensic evidence collection and to improve patients' positive attitudes towards evidence collection.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Forensic Child Psychiatry, Tampere University Hospital, Finland. Electronic address: minna.joki-erkkila@pshp.fi.
authors.forename: Minna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Joki-Erkkilä
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Sari
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tuomisto
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Mervi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seppänen
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Heini
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huhtala
authors.affiliation: Biomedical Laboratory Scientist, Bachelor of Health Care, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Finland.
authors.forename: Arja
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ahola
authors.affiliation: Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Tampere and Fimlab Laboratories, Tampere University Hospital Region, Finland.
authors.forename: Pekka J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Karhunen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D041322:Chromosomes, Human, Y; D003075:Coitus; D004247:DNA / Q000652:urine*; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008858:Microscopy, Phase-Contrast; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014556:Urine / Q000166:cytology; D059349:Urine Specimen Collection; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004247:DNA
keywords: Consensual intercourse; Forensic evidence; Sexual assault; Urine samples; Y-DNA