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This version was published on 1 November 2009
Int J STD AIDS 2009;20:799-800
doi:10.1258/ijsa.2009.009001
© 2009 Royal Society of Medicine Press

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Chain of evidence in sexual assault cases

S M Lowe MRCP * , N Rahman {dagger} and G Forster FRCOG FRCP {dagger}

* Ambrose King Centre, Royal London Hospital UK; {dagger} Haven Whitechapel, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK

Correspondence to: Dr S M Lowe, The Garden Clinic, Upton Hospital, Berkshire East Primary Care NHS Trust, Slough SL1 2BJ, UK Email: saralowe{at}fastmail.fm

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.

Key Words: chain of evidence • sexually transmitted infection • sexual assault


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