Use of fluorescence in situ hybridisation and laser microdissection to isolate male non-sperm cells in cases of sexual assault

To assist in cases of sexual assault involving an azoospermic assailant, we have developed a method to identify male (non-sperm) cells present on post-coital vaginal swabs using fluorescence in situ hybridisation, and subsequently isolate them using laser microdissection. We have tested this method on 26 samples taken at a range of times since intercourse (TSI), and have obtained a full male profile from a sample taken when TSI was 24 h. Crown Copyright D 2005 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.