Evaluation of a Novel Fluorescent Dye to Detect Anogenital Injury, Virginia, 2015-2016 (ICPSR 36590)

Version Date: Jan 19, 2018

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Principal Investigator(s):
Kathryn Laughon, University of Virginia School of Nursing

https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR36590.v1

Version V1

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Summary

These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.

This study contains data from a feasibility trial which was undertaken to determine if a novel fluorescent dye to detect anogenital injury in non-white women was safe and effective in aiding the visualization of genital injuries in forensic examinations.

The study includes one SPSS data file: dye_data_archive.sav (44 cases; 14 variables).

Citation

Laughon, Kathryn. Evaluation of a Novel Fluorescent Dye to Detect Anogenital Injury, Virginia, 2015-2016. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor], 2018-01-19. https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR36590.v1

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Funding

United States Department of Justice. Office of Justice Programs. National Institute of Justice (2013-NE-BX-0004)

Subject Terms

Geographic Coverage

Smallest Geographic Unit

None

Restrictions

Access to these data is restricted. Users interested in obtaining these data must complete a Restricted Data Use Agreement, specify the reasons for the request, and obtain IRB approval or notice of exemption for their research.

Distributor(s)

Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research
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Time Period(s)

2015 -- 2016

Date of Collection

2015 -- 2016

Data Collection Notes

  1. These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.

  2. Data derived from DNA analysis and data related to respondents' subjective responses are not available as part of this collection.

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Study Purpose

The current standard of care in forensic exams of sexually assaulted patients is to use a 1% aqueous solution of toluidine blue dye to highlight areas of unhealed trauma on the external genitalia. This technique is highly effective in light skinned women, but less so in women of color, resulting in unequal adjudication of cases. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of a fluorescein sodium dye in non-white women which could potentially eliminate racial disparity in the detection of injury during forensic exams of sexually assaulted patients.

Study Design

The researcher conducted a one-group feasibility trial using a posttest only design. Eligible women who had engaged in consensual vaginal intercourse with a male partner were recruited to undergo an external examination within 48 hours of intercourse.

Examinations were conducted in a private examination room. A tristimulus colorimeter was used to document the womens' constitutive skin color. The study participants' external genitalia were examined and a photograph taken while the examiner used gentle traction to allow visualization of all of the structures. A close-up photograph was taken if any injuries were noted on gross examination. Fluorescein sodium was placed on the external genitalia and then removed with dry gauze. The room lights were dimmed and ultraviolet light (nm 540) was used to allow visualization of injuries stained with fluorescein sodium, if present, and a photograph was taken. For certain study participants who consented (later in the trial) four standard sterile cotton swabs were inserted into the vagina to collect a sample for DNA analysis. Once the participant was clothed, a buccal swab was obtained for DNA analysis for those consented to DNA collection.

A repeat visit approximately 48 hours later was scheduled for all participants. In this follow-up visit, the participant was again examined to determine if any irritation was noted and if injuries present on the first visit had healed. No dye was placed. Patients were also asked if they had experienced any discomfort (itching, burning or other irritation) since the study visit. In addition, participants were called at a later date and asked if they had experienced any discomfort in the two weeks post exam. Participants were paid a total of $50 each.

Sample

Convenience sampling was used to recruit the study participants. Recruitment occurred by flyer, emails, and webpages. Women interested in participating contacted the researcher, who explained the study, screened for eligibility, and provided a copy of the consent form through email. Eligible women were non-white (Asian, African American or other races), had no serious health problems, were engaging in consensual intercourse with a man, were having periods regularly (or would be if they were not using birth control that suppressed menstruation) and were not pregnant. Participants contacted the researcher after having intercourse to schedule an examination. Altogether, 44 participants were recruited in 2015 and 2106.

Time Method

Cross-sectional

Universe

Non-white women aged 18-45 who had penetrative intercourse with a male partner.

Unit(s) of Observation

Individual

Data Type(s)

Mode of Data Collection

Description of Variables

The data file contains 15 variables: participant ID, participant age, date and time of intercourse (two variables), date and time of exam 1 (two variables), time between intercourse and exam 1, date and time of exam 2 (two variables), skin color (CIELAB L value), type and location of injury (two variables) and whether injury was visualized with gross exam, digital photography or dye (three variables).

Response Rates

All women in the sample participated in the study.

Presence of Common Scales

None

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Original Release Date

2018-01-19

Version History

2018-02-15 The citation of this study may have changed due to the new version control system that has been implemented. The previous citation was:
  • Laughon, Kathryn. Evaluation of a Novel Fluorescent Dye to Detect Anogenital Injury, Virginia, 2015-2016. ICPSR36590-v1. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor], 2018-01-19. http://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR36590.v1
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Notes

  • These data are part of NACJD's Fast Track Release and are distributed as they were received from the data depositor. The files have been zipped by NACJD for release, but not checked or processed except for the removal of direct identifiers. Users should refer to the accompanying readme file for a brief description of the files available with this collection and consult the investigator(s) if further information is needed.

  • The public-use data files in this collection are available for access by the general public. Access does not require affiliation with an ICPSR member institution.

  • One or more files in this data collection have special restrictions. Restricted data files are not available for direct download from the website; click on the Restricted Data button to learn more.