ASTM E2124-10

Standard Practice for the Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual Assault Investigations

ABSTRACT
This practice describes the basic instruments, equipments, and supplies used for the medical-legal examination of the victims and/or suspects in sexual assault investigations. Outlined here are the considerations for choosing a variation or optional equipment to be used, in which case all of the types of tools listed herein should be included in any examination facility.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes the basic instruments used for the medical-legal examination of victims or suspects, or both, in sexual assault investigations. These specifications are designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications, guides, and practices associated with sexual assault examinations that are listed in Section 2.
1.2 Additional information can be found in Terminology E1732, Guide E1843, Specification E2057, and Practice E2123.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2010
• ICS: 13.310 - Protection against crime
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.01 - Criminalistics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2124-09 - Standard Practice for the Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual Assault Investigations
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Referred By: ASTM E2123-20 - Standard Practice for Preservation of Evidence in Sexual Violence Investigation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Referred By: ASTM E1843-20 - Standard Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:E2124 −10
StandardPractice for
Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual Assault
1
Investigations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2124; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4.1.1 Speculum—The speculum is used to view the vaginal
walls and cervix. Clear plastic disposable specula are preferred
1.1 This practice describes the basic instruments used for
because they allow the examiner to see through them and
the medical-legal examination of victims or suspects, or both,
visualize the vaginal walls. Metal specula do not allow this
in sexual assault investigations. These specifications are de-
visibility and also may reflect light when taking photographs.
signed to be used in conjunction with other specifications,
Speculum illuminators which attach to the handle should be
guides, and practices associated with sexual assault examina-
considered as an aid (as they assist) in visualizing the vaginal
tions that are listed in Section 2.
walls and cervical area.
1.2 Additional information can be found in Terminology
4.1.2 Colposcope—The colposcope is used to magnify and
E1732, Guide E1843, Specification E2057, and Practice
provide increased visibility, especially in the vaginal area
E2123.
where structures include many folds and grooves of tissue. The
examiner must deliberately examine each structure to deter-
2. Referenced Documents
mine the presence or absence of injury or foreign material, or
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
both. The use of colposcopy has been shown to be critical in
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
both pediatric and adult sexual assault examinations.
E1843 Guide for SexualAssault Investigation, Examination,
4.1.2.1 There are several varieties of colposcopes manufac-
and Evidence Collection
tured and each program should review numerous types to
E2057 Specifications for Preparation of LaboratoryAnalysis
ascertain the best instrument for their facility in view of
Requests in Sexual Assault Investigations
existing equipment and physical layout of the examination
E2123 Practice for Transmittal of Evidence in Sexual As-
environment.
sault Investigation
4.1.2.2 The colposcope should have photographic or video
capability, as well as print capacity. The photographic or video
3. Summary of Practice
capability should be of sufficient resolution to adequately
3.1 These specifications outline considerations when choos-
record and document the detail observed in the examination.
ing equipment to be used in the medical-legal examination of
(1) Appropriate film digital storage media, and other sup-
sexual assaults. The types of equipment listed should be
plies necessary for the type of photographic instrument must
included in any examination facility. Considerations for choos-
also be maintained.
ing a variation or optional equipment are also given.
(2) Cameras incapable of close-up photography, disposable
cameras, or cameras, or a combination thereof, that produce
4. Instrumentation and Supplies
“instant” photographs are generally not of sufficient quality to
4.1 The following instrumentation should be available at
warrant consideration.
examining facilities where sexual assault cases are received:
4.1.3 AlternateLightSources—Alternate light sources assist
in the location, documentation and collection of dried stains,
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic
foreign debris, and subclinical bruising. The ultraviolet light
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
(Wood’s lamp) is most often used and is considered basic
Current edition approved June 1, 2010. Published August 2010. Originally
equipment in a sexual assault physical examination.
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as E2124 – 09. DOI:
10.1520/E2124-10.
4.1.3.1 Recently, alternate light sources specifically de-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
signed for use in criminal investigation activities have been
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
developed and have the capability of illuminating surfaces
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. under variable wavelength settings which can help in locating
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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E2124−10
a greater variety of stains and are valuable in locating subclini- 4.2 Supplie
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:E2124–09 Designation: E2124 – 10
Standard Practice for
the Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual
1
Assault Investigations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2124; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes the basic instruments used for the medical-legal examination of victims and/or suspectsor suspects,
or both, in sexual assault investigations. These specifications are designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications,
guides, and practices associated with sexual assault examinations that are listed in Section 2.
1.2 Additional information can be found in Terminology E1732, Guide E1843, Specification E2057, and Practice E2123.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E1843 Guide for Sexual Assault Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection
E2057 Specifications for Preparation of Laboratory Analysis Requests in Sexual Assault Investigations
E2123 Practice for Transmittal of Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigation
3. Summary of Practice
3.1 These specifications outline considerations when choosing equipment to be used in the medical-legal examination of sexual
assaults. The types of equipment listed should be included in any examination facility. Considerations for choosing a variation or
optional equipment are also given.
4. Instrumentation and Supplies
4.1 The following instrumentation should be available at examining facilities where sexual assault cases are received:
4.1.1 Speculum—The speculum is used to view the vaginal walls and cervix. Clear plastic disposable specula are preferred
because they allow the examiner to see through them and visualize the vaginal walls. Metal specula do not allow this visibility
and also may reflect light when taking photographs. Speculum illuminators which attach to the handle should be considered as an
aid (as they assist) in visualizing the vaginal walls and cervical area.
4.1.2 Colposcope—The colposcope is used to magnify and provide increased visibility, especially in the vaginal area where
structures include many folds and grooves of tissue. The examiner must deliberately examine each structure to determine the
presence or absence of injury and/oror foreign material, or both. The use of colposcopy has been shown to be critical in both
pediatric and adult sexual assault examinations.
4.1.2.1 There are several varieties of colposcopes manufactured and each program should review numerous types to ascertain
the best instrument for their facility in view of existing equipment and physical layout of the examination environment.
4.1.2.2 The colposcope should have photographic or video capability, as well as print capacity. The photographic or video
capability should be of sufficient resolution to adequately record and document the detail observed in the examination.
4.1.2.2.1 Appropriate film digital storage media, and other supplies necessary for the type of photographic instrument must also
be maintained.
4.1.2.2.2 Cameras incapable of close-up photography, disposable cameras, and/or camerasor cameras, or a combination thereof,
that produce “instant” photographs are generally not of sufficient quality to warrant consideration.
4.1.3 Alternate Light Sources—Alternate light sources assist in the location, documentation and collection of dried stains,
foreign debris, and subclinical bruising. The ultraviolet light (Wood’s lamp) is most often used and is considered basic equipment
in a sexual assault physical examination.
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved June 15, 2009.1, 2010. Published July 2009.August 2010. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 20012009 as
E2124 – 019. DOI: 10.1520/E2124-109.
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. ForAnnualBookofASTMStandards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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