NCJ Number
153531
Journal
Journal of the Forensic Science Society Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1994) Pages: 245-256
Date Published
1994
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Because the use of condoms in sex crimes is likely to increase, a protocol was developed that could extract polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a lubricant commonly used by condom manufacturers, and the spermicide nonoxynol-9 from evidence items and separately identify them by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Abstract
At least some discrimination was provided by microscopically identifying insoluble lubricants such as corn starch, lycopodium, silica, and talc which are added to some condom brands. Desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry was used to compare the PDMS used by different manufacturers and to detect as little as 20 ng. The protocol was successfully used in two actual cases, one in which the assailant wore a lubricated condom and a second in which he did not but claimed to have done so. The authors conclude that the protocol is sufficiently sensitive to detect PDMS traces but is not so sensitive that it misleads investigators about other trace elements. The protocol makes it possible to realize some discrimination between condom lubricant traces based on the presence or absence of the spermicide nonoxynol-9. Further, the presence of condom lubricant traces in vaginal swabs may be confirmed by desorption chemical ionization mass spectrometry. 22 references and 8 figures