Forensic Serology - Semen

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards focused on forensic serology related to semen, sexual assault evidence, and related testing methods.

Forensic Serology

The study of blood and other body fluids in a forensic context.

Sexual Assault

A crime involving penetration without consent, including oral, anal, or vaginal.

Seminal Stains

Evidence collected from victims or suspects that may indicate sexual assault.

Evidence Collection

The process of gathering physical evidence from a crime scene or individuals.

Medical Examination

A check-up performed to assess physical and psychological damage after a sexual assault.

SA Kit

Sexual Assault Kit used for collecting and preserving evidence in sexual assault cases.

Transfer of Evidence

The exchange of physical evidence between a victim and suspect during an assault.

Presumptive Testing

Preliminary tests to suggest the presence of biological fluids, including semen.

Alternate Light Source (ALS)

A tool used to visually assess evidence for potential seminal stains.

Acid Phosphatase

An enzyme found in high concentrations in human semen used for presumptive testing.

PSA/P30

A protein found in seminal plasma that helps liquefy semen, indicating the presence of semen.

Microscopy

The use of microscopes to confirm the presence of spermatozoa in a sample.

Spermatozoon

A mature male sex cell (sperm) involved in reproduction.

Fluorescence

The emission of light by a substance that has absorbed light, used to detect seminal stains.

Dried Secretions

Evidence such as semen or saliva that may be found on clothing or bedding.

Semen Composition

Semen consists of salts, sugars, lipids, enzymes, proteins, and sperm cells.

Oligospermia

A condition of low sperm count in semen.

Azoospermia

The absence of spermatozoa in semen.

Survival Times

The duration for which spermatozoa and other components remain viable after ejaculation.

Sperm Cell Morphology

The study of the shape and structure of sperm cells.

Nuclear Fast Red

A staining technique used to visualize the DNA in sperm cells.

Christmas Tree Stain

A type of stain used to differentiate the parts of sperm cells under a microscope.

Fingernail Scrapings

A method of collecting potential DNA from a victim's fingernails.

Reference Sample

A known DNA sample from individuals for comparison in DNA testing.

Bedding Evidence

Items from a crime scene that may contain biological fluids or other relevant evidence.

Microscopic Examination

Detailed inspection of samples under a microscope to identify cell types.

Epithelial Cells

Cells that line body surfaces and can be found in vaginal fluid.

Human DNA Analysis

The evaluation of DNA samples to identify individuals.

Amylase

An enzyme found in saliva, used in detecting oral sexual assault.

Male Screening

A technique to determine the presence of male DNA in samples.

Isolation of DNA

The process of extracting DNA from biological samples for analysis.

Quantification System

A method to measure the amount of DNA present in a sample.

Direct-to-DNA

An approach that detects male DNA without prior testing of biological fluids.

National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI)

A project aimed at improving the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.

Semen Stain Confirmation

The process of verifying the presence of seminal fluid in a sample.

Positive Control

A known sample used to validate the results of a test.

Negative Control

An unstained sample used to ensure no contamination in test results.

Sperm Heads

The part of the sperm containing DNA, critical for fertilization.

Mitochondria

Organelles in the midpiece of sperm cells providing energy for motility.

Sperm Tail

The long structure used by sperm for movement, often the first part to degrade.

Collection Preservation

The methods used to maintain the integrity of collected evidence.

Victim-Centered Approach

A method focusing on the needs and well-being of the victim during legal processes.

High Dose Hook Effect

A test anomaly in which too much protein prevents accurate results.

Restorative Practice

Approaches that promote healing and resolution after sexual assault.

Jurisdictional Capacity Building

Efforts to enhance local capabilities to manage sexual assault cases effectively.