Establishment of the new semen identification method and the examination to practical introduction

Abstract

Recently, AXO Science released STK Sperm Tracker Lab (STK sheet) and STK Sperm Tracker SPRAY (STK spray) to identify human semen stains. In this study, we examined the STK sheet and STK spray for their specificity to detect human semen, sensitivity, effects on DNA, and response to old semen samples. Additionally, STK sheet was examined for optimal crimping time depending on the type of fabric. STK spray was examined through assessing the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation after spraying. As a result of this study, STK sheet and STK spray were found to exhibit high specificity for the detection of human semen. These reagents did not affect the yield of extracted DNA or its degradation. STK sheet and STK spray can detect semen up to 1/25th and 1/100th dilutions, respectively. Both STK sheet and STK spray can react with semen samples left at room temperature for over a year. We found that the crimping time on STK sheet differs depending on the type of fabric, and the exposure to UV radiation for an hour after using STK spray does not affect DNA degradation. Conclusively, both STK sheet and STK spray are suitable to identify the human semen stains.