Various methods can detect semen, including chemical tests for prostate specific antigens and acid phosphate, microscopic examination, ultraviolet black light, and physical inspection. These methods can be used in forensic investigations or at home to detect infidelity.
Semen detection methods can be used as forensic tools to determine a crime or in the home to detect an unfaithful spouse. The most popular methods of detecting semen are the use of chemicals to determine the presence of prostate specific antigens (PSA), acid phosphate (AP), or microscopic examination. Non-chemical examinations can be performed using an ultraviolet (UV) black light and close physical inspection of the exposed area.
The PSA semen detection test can be performed in a forensic laboratory or at home. This test works by identifying PSA found on a substrate that is suspected to come into contact with semen. Semen could be found on items such as underwear, bed sheets, or used feminine hygiene items. Samples of the substrate to be tested or scraped can be used to mix with the sperm-detecting chemicals. Home tests might reveal results in about 10 minutes, and lab results could take up to 48 hours.
Semen detection to determine the presence of acid phosphate can also be used at home or in a laboratory setting. This method could be used in much the same way as the PSA test. AP can be found in body fluids other than semen, which may make this test method less reliable than the PSA test. Experts often suggest that the AP procedure should be used in conjunction with other test methods for home and laboratory applications.
Forensic labs might also use different microscopic techniques for semen detection. First, the substrate suspected of containing semen will be removed and washed with chemicals that release any sperm. Slides might be prepared and viewed under a microscope to look for the presence of sperm. These techniques could be used to consolidate physical evidence for legal proceedings.
Ultraviolet black light can be used as a non-chemical method of determining the presence of sperm. Semen can fluoresce under the proper conditions. When a black UV light is shown on the substrate in question, the semen may appear a bright blue color. Specific chemicals that help brighten the proteins found in semen might also be sprayed on the stain to aid in semen detection.
Close physical inspection of a substrate could also be a preliminary method used for semen detection. The visual appearance of semen on items such as bed sheets may appear as a hard, opaque, or translucent stain. If the stain is still fresh, a specific odor associated with semen may still be detectable. The stain may not be semen, however, other testing methods should accompany physical inspection to rule out the possibility of a mistake.
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