In this Article a lot of things are mentioned that can be used as evidence for rape cases, essential evidence such as semen, blood, hair, fibers or any foreign object transferred during the course of the crime.
The importance of finding the evidence is to link the suspect to the crime victim. The Forensic department assigned to test the samples gathered vary, the toxicology unit, serology unit and ballistics unit. It has also been mentioned that there are different kits used to female and male victims, long time ago only the females are considered rape victims, but nowadays men can also be victims of rape.
The collection kits for male and female victims are briefly discussed in this article.
The first sample that needs to be acquired is the pubic hair, any lose hair from the victim should be collected and kept in an envelope; this is to link the suspect to the victim.
Another sample that should be gathered and examined under forensic microscopes is the pulled pubic hair. This sample will be used as a comparison from the lose hair gathered previously and there should be at least 15 hair pulled. Aside from the pubic hair, head hair is also essential in solving the crime, the number of hair should be at least 15, and again, this will be used as comparison for the victim and suspect hair samples. This can be determined by using forensic microscopes.
The standard sample that needs to be collected is the blood sample and this should be stored properly; this sample will undergo examination through forensic microscopes. Supporting sample that needs to be acquired is the cheek swab sample; this will be used in DNA testing back up. Cheek cells are examined under powerful forensic microscopes.
Rape cases requires vaginal and penile swabs, this is essential to know the presence of semen as well as used for DNA testing. This also needs a follow up vaginal smear sample on microscope glass slide to determine the presence of sperm cells, this can be achieved when you view the samples acquired under forensic microscopes. Underwear used by the victim after the crime occurred is also essential evidence.
If there is a kit for the victims, of course there is also one for the suspect, the procedure in gathering the evidence is almost the same, and the first thing gathered is the penile swab then the pubic hair or any fibers found on the pubic area. All the hair gathered should be examined under forensic microscopes. Next thing will be the pulled hair gathered from different location. Then the blood samples which will undergo DNA testing and forensic microscopes examination. Cheek swabs will also be needed for back up sample needed for DNA testing. Underwear should also be collected as evidence.

Some precautions should be observed when handling the evidence for rape cases, first thing should be the blood samples gathered should undergo complete blood analysis as well as DNA testing. There should be enough hair samples for hair analysis, which should be conducted under forensic microscopes. It is not advised to lick the envelope’s seal to avoid contamination of the biological samples. Evidence should be minimized to allow faster results, envelopes and packages should be labeled and sealed accordingly, do not pack two evidence in one package to avoid cross contamination.