Revista de investigación forense

Evaluation of the SPERM TRACKER™ for Semen Stains Localization on Fabrics

Abstract

Émilie Borges, Agnès Degiuli, Stéphanie Desrentes, Dominique Godfrin, Céline Popielarz, Loïc J Blum and Christophe A Marquette

Semen stains localization is an important challenge and a prerequisite to genetic identification during forensic investigations. Often performed using either non-specific techniques such as CrimeScope or/and acid phosphatase specific methods such as naphtyl, these detection requirements were in need of a new technique and procedure: rapid, simple, specific and non-toxic. We are here presenting the results of a comparative study between mini- CrimeScope and the newly launch product Sperm Tracker™. Evidence are given with regards to the specificity, sensitivity and ease of use of the new product. Genetic analysis were also performed right after localization and demonstrated the full compatibility of the method with the subsequent DNA analysis.