IDENTIFICATION OF MALE EPITHELIAL-CELLS IN ROUTINE POSTCOITAL CERVICOVAGINAL SMEARS USING FLUORESCENCE IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION - APPLICATION IN SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MOLESTATION

In a prospective blinded controlled study, the efficacy of fluorescenc e in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect non-sperm male cells verifyin g sexual contact was examined. Cervicovaginal smears (CVS) from 40 wom en with reported post-coital intervals were examined for sperm by cyto logy and for sperm and non-sperm male cells by FISH using X and Y chro mosome specific DNA probes, Fluorescence in situ hybridization identif ied sperm and/or non-sperm male cells in all specimens from women with positive coital histories, including when the partner had a vasectomy . Male cells were also detectable by FISH in CVS up to 3 weeks after c oitus. In comparison, cytology identified sperm in 41% of the positive coital history cases, and none beyond 2 weeks. Fluorescence in situ h ybridization is highly sensitive and specific in detecting male cells, and can be performed rapidly on routine CVS. Application of this tech nique ran provide new and additional evidence of sexual contact when c urrent tests are inconclusive.