Persistence of Polydimethylsiloxane Condom Lubricants |
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| Authors: | Leah S. Tottey M.Sc. Sally A. Coulson Ph.D. Gerhard E. Wevers NZCS Laura Fabian M.Sc. Heather McClelland M.Sc. Mickayla Dustin P.G.Dip.Sci. |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Environmental and Science Research (ESR), 120 Mount Albert Road, Mount Albert, Auckland, 1025 New Zealand;2. Institute of Environmental and Science Research (ESR), 120 Mount Albert Road, Mount Albert, Auckland, 1025 New ZealandCorresponding author: Sally A. Coulson, Ph.D. E‐mail: |
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| Abstract: | Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is commonly used to lubricate condoms. The detection of PDMS on swabs from complainants can be used to support an allegation of sexual assault. Previous research has focused on establishing analytical techniques for detecting PDMS. This research examined the persistence of PDMS on the penis, in the vagina, in the mouth, and on skin. The longest PDMS detection times were 20 h on the penis, 35 h in the vagina, and 52 h on skin. PDMS was detected up to 4 h in the mouth if the participant did not eat or drink and up to 9 h if the participant slept. PDMS was not detected in the mouth after eating or drinking. The presence of biological fluids had no detrimental effect on the analysis. Aqueous extraction of swabs for DNA did not remove any significant amount of PDMS; hence, swab remains could be subsequently analyzed for PDMS. |
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| Keywords: | forensic science condom lubricant polydimethylsiloxane persistence pyrolysis– gas chromatography– mass spectrometry sexual assault |
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