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ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Evaluation of Semen Detection in Vaginal Secretions: Comparison of Four Methods
Author(s) -
Culhane Jennifer Flatow,
Nyirjesy Paul,
McCollum Kelly,
Casabellata Giorgia,
Di Santolo Manuela,
Cauci Sabina
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2008.00632.x
Subject(s) - semen , prostatic acid phosphatase , vagina , gram staining , acid phosphatase , gynecology , andrology , prostate specific antigen , medicine , pregnancy , physiology , biology , prostate , antibiotics , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , biochemistry , enzyme , genetics , cancer
Problem To determine the best method to detect semen in human vaginal secretions. Method of study Vaginal secretions from 302 pregnant women at mean 11.8 weeks’ gestation were analyzed. Semen detection was assessed with: (i) measurement of total prostate‐specific antigen (PSA), (ii) acid phosphatase activity, (iii) microscopic measurement of spermatozoa on Gram stain, and (iv) self‐reported sexual intercourse in the past 2 days. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each technique in comparison with PSA levels. Results A total of 119 (39.4%) women had a detectable PSA. Compared with measurable PSA, the sensitivity and specificity for other methods were: acid phosphatase (26.9%, 98.4%), Gram stain (36.1%, 98.4%), and self‐report of intercourse in the past 48 hr (41.9%, 88.8%). Conclusion Compared with PSA levels, commonly used assays for recent semen exposure are inaccurate. This inaccuracy may affect the results of studies, which measure vaginal immune factors like cytokines or retrieve DNA from vaginal specimens.