ASTM E2124-20

Standard Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual Violence 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 specification describes the basic instruments used for the medical-legal examination of victims or suspects, or both, in sexual violence investigations. These specifications are designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications, guides, and practices associated with sexual violence examinations that are listed in Section 2.  
1.2 Additional information can be found in Terminology E1732, Guide E1843, Specifications E2057, and Practice E2123.  
1.3 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917, Education and Training) and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgement by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2020
• ICS: 13.310 - Protection against crime
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.11 - Interdisciplinary Forensic Science Standards

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E1732-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2917-24 - Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2057-23 - Standard Specifications for Preparation of Laboratory Analysis Requests in Sexual Violence Investigations
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM E2917-19 - Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1732-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2019
• Refers: ASTM E1732-18b - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1732-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1732-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 15-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1732-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1732-12 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM E1732-11a - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1732-11b - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2011
• Refers: ASTM E1732-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM E2123-10 - Standard Practice for the Transmittal of Evidence in Sexual Assault Investigation
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2010
• Refers: ASTM E2057-10 - Standard Specifications for Preparation of Laboratory Analysis Requests in Sexual Assault Investigations
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2010

Overview

ASTM E2124-20 is the internationally recognized standard specification for the equipment and supplies used in sexual violence investigations. Developed by ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences, the standard is designed to ensure that examination facilities are equipped with all necessary tools to support comprehensive, safe, and consistent medical-legal examinations of victims and suspects involved in sexual violence cases. This standard supports uniformity in forensic practice across jurisdictions, enhancing evidence quality, patient care, and legal proceedings in sexual assault and sexual violence investigations.

Key Topics

• Essential Instruments: Specifies the core instruments required in examination facilities, including speculums, colposcopes, anoscopes, otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, and alternate light sources.
• Imaging and Documentation: Outlines requirements for photographic and video documentation tools, such as high-resolution cameras, forensic rulers, and colposcopes with imaging capability to document injuries and evidence accurately.
• Supplies and Disposables: Details the necessary medical supplies, including exam gloves, swabs, evidence bags, exam gowns, and disinfected equipment to support hygienic, safe, and effective examinations.
• Facility Considerations: Recommends appropriate lighting, tables, scales for measuring height and weight, and accessibility features to accommodate all patients.
• Evidence Preservation: Highlights the importance of evidence collection and preservation, including the use of swab dryers, secure packaging, and labeled storage.
• Safety and Compliance: Stresses adherence to safety, health, and environmental practices, and the importance of using the standard along with professional judgment and appropriate education or training.

Applications

ASTM E2124-20 provides practical value for a wide range of users involved in sexual violence and assault examinations:

• Forensic Examiners and Medical Professionals: Ensures access to standardized equipment and procedures, supporting the thorough examination and documentation of findings.
• Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs): Assists practitioners in maintaining best practices for care and evidence gathering, using specified medical and forensic tools and supplies.
• Healthcare Facilities and Examination Centers: Guides procurement and setup to guarantee all required equipment and disposables are consistently available, supporting compliance with forensic standards.
• Laboratories and Law Enforcement Agencies: Supports the collection and preservation of high-quality, admissible evidence, which is critical for subsequent analysis and legal review.
• Education and Training Programs: Serves as a reference for developing curricula and practical training modules for professionals involved in sexual violence investigations.

Implementation of this standard results in improved victim care, consistent evidence handling, and increased reliability in legal outcomes of sexual violence investigations.

Related Standards

ASTM E2124-20 is used in conjunction with several other key standards and guidelines to ensure a complete approach to sexual violence investigation:

• ASTM E1732 - Terminology Relating to Forensic Science: Defines terms to ensure consistent communication.
• ASTM E1843 - Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol: Offers best practice guidance for all phases of investigation.
• ASTM E2057 - Specifications for Preparation of Laboratory Analysis Requests in Sexual Assault Investigations: Guides preparation of laboratory submissions.
• ASTM E2123 - Practice for Preservation of Evidence in Sexual Violence Investigation: Details essential procedures for evidence preservation.
• ASTM E2917 - Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs: Addresses training and ongoing education requirements for practitioners.

Practical Value

By following ASTM E2124-20, examination facilities, forensic teams, and related professionals ensure a consistent, thorough, and legally defensible medical-legal response to sexual violence cases. Use of standardized equipment and supplies enhances the reliability of evidence, supports the rights and well-being of victims and suspects, and upholds the integrity of the investigative and judicial process. This standard is an essential reference for any organization involved in sexual violence response and forensic practice.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:E2124 −20 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Equipment and Supplies in Sexual Violence 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 E2057 Specifications for Preparation of LaboratoryAnalysis
Requests in Sexual Assault Investigations
1.1 This specification describes the basic instruments used
E2123 Practice for Preservation of Evidence in Sexual
for the medical-legal examination of victims or suspects, or
Violence Investigation
both, in sexual violence investigations.These specifications are
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training,
designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications,
Continuing Education, and Professional Development
guides, and practices associated with sexual violence exami-
Programs
nations that are listed in Section 2.
1.2 Additional information can be found in Terminology
3. Summary of Specification
E1732, Guide E1843, Specifications E2057, and Practice
3.1 This specification outlines considerations when choos-
E2123.
ing equipment to be used in the medical-legal examination of
1.3 This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or
sexual violence cases. The types of equipment listed should be
abilities acquired through education, training, and experience
included in any examination facility. Considerations for choos-
(see Practice E2917, Education and Training) and is to be used
ing a variation or optional equipment are also given.
inconjunctionwithprofessionaljudgementbyindividualswith
such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.
4. Instrumentation and Supplies
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 The following instrumentation should be available at
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
examining facilities where sexual violence cases are received:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1.1 Alternate Light Sources—Alternate light sources assist
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
in the location, documentation and collection of dried stains,
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
foreign debris, and subclinical bruising. The ultraviolet light is
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
most often used and is considered basic equipment in a sexual
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
violence physical examination. Variable wavelength settings
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
are recommended to visualize semen, urine, stains, foreign
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
debris, and possibly subclinical bruising present on the skin
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
surface.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.1.1.1 Alternate light sources specifically designed for use
2. Referenced Documents
in criminal investigation activities which have the capability of
illuminating surfaces under variable wavelength settings may
2.1 ASTM Standards:
help in locating a greater variety of stains and are valuable in
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
locating possible subclinical bruising and establishing patterns
E1843 Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation,
of injury.
Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol
4.1.2 Examination Light—Examinations should be con-
ducted under a high quality examination white-light.
4.1.3 Imaging Capture—Cameras and other forms of imag-
ing devices are used to examine and document the body. The
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on
Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on
use of imaging devices allows the examiner to magnify the
Interdisciplinary Forensic Science Standards.
areas of the body where injuries are located.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2020. Published November 2020. Originally
4.1.3.1 Appropriate digital storage media, and other sup-
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E2124 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/E2124-20.
plies necessary for the type of photographic instrument must
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
also be maintained.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
4.1.3.2 Cameras incapable of close-up photography, dispos-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. able cameras, or cameras, or a combination thereof, that
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2124−20
produce “instant” photographs are generally not of sufficient handle should be considered as an aid (as they assist) in
quality to warrant consideration. visualizing the vaginal walls and cervical area.
4.1.3.3 Use a forensic/photographic ruler (sometimes re- 4.1.9 Scale (Physicians)—A physicians scale should be
ferred to as a scale) for size-reference in photographs. available to accurately measure the height and weight of the
examinee.
4.1.4 Magnification Equipment—A colposcope or other
magnifying instrument may be used during the examination. 4.1.10 Swab Dryer—To reduce degradation of samples, the
examination area should contain equipment necessary to allow
4.1.4.1 There are several varieties of col
...

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 − 15 E2124 − 20
Standard PracticeSpecification for
Specification for Equipment and Supplies in Sexual
AssaultViolence 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 practicespecification describes the basic instruments used for the medical-legal examination of victims or suspects, or
both, in sexual assaultviolence investigations. These specifications are designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications,
guides, and practices associated with sexual assaultviolence examinations that are listed in Section 2.
1.2 Additional information can be found in Terminology E1732, Guide E1843, SpecificationSpecifications E2057, and Practice
E2123.
1.3 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This standard cannot replace
knowledge, skill,skills, or abilityabilities acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917and
should , Education and Training) and is to be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.professional judgement by
individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E1843 Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol
This practicespecification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.11 on
Interdisciplinary Forensic Science Standards.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2015Sept. 1, 2020. Published January 2015November 2020. Originally approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 20102015
as E2124 – 10.E2124 – 15. DOI: 10.1520/E2124-15.10.1520/E2124-20.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’sstandard’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
E2124 − 20
E2057 Specifications for Preparation of Laboratory Analysis Requests in Sexual Assault Investigations
E2123 Practice for Preservation of Evidence in Sexual Violence Investigation
E2917 Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
3. Summary of PracticeSpecification
3.1 These specifications outlineThis specification outlines considerations when choosing equipment to be used in the
medical-legal examination of sexual assaults. violence cases. 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 assaultviolence cases are received:
4.1.1 Speculum—Alternate Light Sources—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.Alternate light sources assist in the
location, documentation and collection of dried stains, foreign debris, and subclinical bruising. The ultraviolet light is most often
used and is considered basic equipment in a sexual violence physical examination. Variable wavelength settings are recommended
to visualize semen, urine, stains, foreign debris, and possibly subclinical bruising present on the skin surface.
4.1.1.1 Alternate light sources specifically designed for use in criminal investigation activities which have the capability of
illuminating surfaces under variable wavelength settings may help in locating a greater variety of stains and are valuable in locating
possible subclinical bruising and establishing patterns of injury.
4.1.2 Examination Light—Examinations should be conducted under a high quality examination white-light.
4.1.3 Colposcope—Imaging Capture—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 or foreign material, or both. Cameras and other forms of imaging devices are used
to examine and document the body. The use of colposcopy has been shown to be critical in both pediatric and adult sexual assault
examinations.imaging devices allows the examiner to magnify the areas of the body where injuries are located.
4.1.3.1 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.Appropriate
digital storage media, and other supplies necessary for the type of photographic instrument must also be maintained.
4.1.3.2 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.Cameras
incapable of close-up photography, disposable cameras, or cameras, or a combination thereof, that produce “instant” photographs
are generally not of sufficient quality to warrant consideration.
(1) Appropriate digital storage media, and other supplies necessary for the type of photographic instrument must also be
maintained.
(2) Cameras incapable of close-up photography, disposable cameras, or cameras, or a combination thereof, that produce
“instant” photographs are generally not of sufficient quality to warrant consideration.
4.1.3.3 Use a forensic/photographic ruler (sometimes referred to as a scale) for size-reference in photographs.
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.
4.1.3.1 Alternate light sources specifically designed for use in criminal investigation activities which have the capability of
illuminating surfaces under variable wavelength settings can help in locating a greater variety of stains and are valuable in locating
subclinical bruising and establishing patterns of injury.
4.1.4 Anoscope—When the examiner needs more than an external examination of the anorectal area, a clear plastic disposable
anoscope should be available.
E2124 − 20
4.1.4 Otoscope and Ophthalmoscope—Magni
...