Recover foreign DNA from genital area. Prior to collecting swabs from an unresponsive or unconscious patient, it is recommended to consult facility’s risk manager or legal personnel.

Female Patient

Vaginal swabs should never be collected in prepubertal females, except under sedation with physician direction and supervision, or by physician directly, only if sedation is medically indicated. Evidence collection is not a reason for sedation.

Recover foreign DNA from vulva swabs.

Patients may collect their vulva"An area of the femal genitalia lying posterior to the mons pubis that includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal vestibule, vaginal introitus, and Bartholin's glands" (Faugno et al., 2018, p. 5). More swabs with guidance from health care professional as the process is trauma-informed and patient-centered care. For chain-of-custody purposes, patients must be observed by the examiner while collecting their own vulva"An area of the femal genitalia lying posterior to the mons pubis that includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal vestibule, vaginal introitus, and Bartholin's glands" (Faugno et al., 2018, p. 5). More swabs. Document self-swabbing.

1. Put on new gloves
2. Swab the vulva"An area of the femal genitalia lying posterior to the mons pubis that includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal vestibule, vaginal introitus, and Bartholin's glands" (Faugno et al., 2018, p. 5). More with two swabs total (simultaneously)
3. Swab the inner labia majora"Two folds of skin on either side of the labia minora. This area usually is covered with hair that appears during puberty" (Faugno et al., 2012, p. 4). More and labia minora
   • Avoid the urinary meatus
   • Prevent contact of swabs with prepubertal female’s hymen"A collar or semi-collar of tissue surrounding the vaginal orifice" (Faugno et al., 2012, p. 4). More. Contact with the hymen"A collar or semi-collar of tissue surrounding the vaginal orifice" (Faugno et al., 2012, p. 4). More can cause extreme pain in prepubertal females
   • It may be necessary to pre-moisten the cotton-tipped applicators with sterile water

Male Patient

Recover foreign DNA from penile swabs

Patients may collect their penile swabs with guidance from health care professional as the process is trauma-informed and patient-centered care. For chain-of-custody purposes, patients must be observed by the examiner while collecting their own penile swabs. Document self-swabbing.

1. Change gloves
2. Pre-moisten two swabs and swab the head of the penis, staying away from the urethral meatus"External opening of the urethral tube" (Faugno et al., 2012, p. 5).
3. Use same two swabs to swab under the foreskin"Fold of skin that covers the glans of the penis," also called prepuce (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). and the shaft of the penis
4. Place the two swabs into a swab box
5. Close both ends of the box
6. Label box
7. Place labeled box in the vaginal/cervical/penile swab envelope
8. Label and seal the envelope with examiner’s initials
9. Place envelope in the SAEK

Recover foreign DNA from scrotal swabs.

Patients may collect their scrotal swabs with guidance from health care professional as the process is trauma-informed and patient-centered care. For chain-of-custody purposes, patients must be observed by the examiner while collecting their own scrotal swabs. Document self-swabbing.

1. Change gloves
2. Pre-moisten two swabs
3. Use two swabs to swab the scrotum"Pouch containing the testicles and their accessory organs" (Faugno et al., 2012, p. 3).
4. Place the two swabs into a swab box
5. Close both ends of the box
6. Label box
7. Place labeled box in the vulva"An area of the femal genitalia lying posterior to the mons pubis that includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vaginal vestibule, vaginal introitus, and Bartholin's glands" (Faugno et al., 2018, p. 5). More/scrotal swab envelope
8. Label and seal the envelope with examiner’s initials
9. Place envelope in the SAEK

For more information on collecting genital swabs see the Protocol.