Forensic Science Institute

Tag: condom residue

Research: Detection and Identification Techniques for Condom Residues in Sexual Assaults

This study investigated techniques used to detect and identify condom residues in sexual assaults.  There were 10 condom brands/sub-brands analyzed, which were chosen based on the geographical locations of the manufacturers.  Polarized light microscopy was implemented as an initial means of detecting condom residues by identifying common particulates added during production.  It was found that starch was present in only 5 of the condom brands/sub-brands, and no other particulates were identified.  These results led to the conclusion that this technique would not be effective as a general screen for the presence of condom residues.  Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), coupled with liquid-liquid extraction and later solid-phase microextraction (SPME) were explored with the intentions of building a database that could suggest a condom brand in the instance of an unknown source. Alkaline extractions were conducted on condom residues and in some instances, derivatization was performed.  Analysis revealed that SPME, using a polyacrylate fiber, produced satisfactory results.  This technique produced total ion chromatograms with distinct variations between condom brands and some of the sub-brands, while the mass spectra identified multiple components in the residues.  Isotope-ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) was also undertaken to determine if the carbon isotopic ratios of condom residues differed among brands.  Three different ratios were observed, suggesting the possibility that manufacturers obtain their lubricants, polydimethylsiloxane, from different geographical sources.

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Dr. Mark McCoy

Copyright © 2025 Forensic Science Institute, All Rights Reserved

UCO DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: The views, opinions, and conclusions expressed in this page are those of the author or organization and not necessarily those of The University of Central Oklahoma or its officers and trustees. The content of this page has not been reviewed or approved by The University of Central Oklahoma and the author or organization is solely responsible for its content. It is the policy of the university to abide by and follow federal and state laws. Outbound links, such as third party websites or personal pages of UCO's students, faculty and staff represent individual views and do not necessarily reflect the views and/or policies of the university. The university is not responsible for the content of these pages or any links that you may follow from this server beyond this point. The statements and communications of the bloggers on the University of Central Oklahoma website do not represent a statement of the university's official position or policy.