Catch a Sperm! An Integrated Forensic Workflow Combining STK Sperm Tracker™, AmylasePaper and Dual PSA/α-Amylase Lateral Flow Testing

Background/Objectives: Body fluid identification is essential in sexual assault investigations because it supports crime scene reconstruction and guides DNA analysis. However, biological traces are often limited, so it is necessary to maximize information from a single sample while minimizing consumption. Evaluation of body fluids by methods of different nature could enhance this detection without losing evidence. This study assessed the analytical compatibility of an integrated forensic workflow combining stain localization, body fluid identification, and DNA profiling to detect semen and saliva on different substrates.

Methods

Semen, saliva, and semen-saliva mixtures were deposited on non-porous substrates (plastic, glass, and leaves) and porous substrates (cotton, denim, and leather). Semen stains were located using STK Spray® Sperm Tracker™ or STK Lab® Sperm Tracker™, while saliva was mapped using AmylasePaper. Samples were subsequently tested with the SERATEC® PAM test for simultaneous detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and α-amylase. DNA was extracted and quantified, followed by short tandem repeat (STR) profiling.