Attachment 2a - Notes to Examining Health Professional Form.pdf

Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services

NOTES TO EXAMINING HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

Please ensure familiarity with the contents of the kit before examination.

KIT DESIGN AND USE: This kit is designed for hospital use in collecting specimens from victims of sexual assault and for submitting the specimens to forensic science laboratories for analysis. The specimen results may ultimately be used in court by attorneys when prosecuting sexual assault cases; therefore, it is very important that the initial examination of the patient be conducted according to the enclosed instructions.

DOCUMENTATION: It is important for the examining health professionals to thoroughly complete the forensic report form because it is the only record the forensic scientist will have for reference when analyzing the evidence.

Please provide legible documentation and press hard when writing so all copies are clear. Quote patient statements as much as possible. Avoid phrases such as; see chart, see E.R. sheet, or see nursing notes. If documentation is completed in the electronic medical record or additional paperwork (other than the evidence collection kit paperwork) then please make sure to include that documentation in the kit. Your summary of findings should not reflect whether a crime occurred.

NOTES AND REMINDERS: For detailed instructions, refer to the instructions on the specimen envelopes.

Refer to the enclosed letter from the Illinois Department of Public Health Director for guidelines on medical care and treatment options.

Do not include medical specimens in kit. Obtain appropriate medial specimens after forensic evidence collection.

Collectors of evidence are to wear gloves, gown or lab coat, face mask or surgical mask, and hair restraint or surgical cap when collecting evidence. This is due to the greatly increased sensitivity of analytical techniques which can detect very small amounts of DNA. It is advisable to inform the patient that these procedures are for protection of the evidence, and in no way reflect negatively on the patient.

Swabs and swab boxes are included for the collection of miscellaneous evidence. The specimen should be collected on ONE slightly moistened swab, in order to concentrate the genetic material as much as possible o Be sure to describe the location of the miscellaneous evidence on the swab box and in the exam notes.

o Reasons to collect miscellaneous swabs:

Whenever a patient mentions that any part of their body was kissed, licked, sucked, or bitten by the assailant A disclosure or suspicion of strangulation Bruises, scrapes and abrasions (if related to the assault) Positive alternative light source fluorescence Any possible substances

If oral sex was performed on the victim, refer to Step 6, Oral and Anogenital Swab Collections, External Genitalia.

If drug facilitated sexual assault is suspected, it is important to collect urine the earliest void possible. Resource materials are available at, www.isp.illinois.govunder the Forensics tab.

Do not use plastic bags. Use large paper bags for clothing collection. This bag should be provided by your hospital.

Label and close self-adhesive envelopes being returned to the kit. Do not use medical tape or evidence tape to seal.

Collect all specimens as indicated. Be sure all collected items have been included in the kit or packaged separately as instructed.

Do not include unused envelopes or other medical supplies in kit.

Seal kit with red evidence tape and fill in information (as appropriate) on outside cover of kit.