Journal article
Evaluation of semen detection in vaginal secretions: Comparison of four methods
American journal of reproductive immunology (1989), v 60(3), pp 274-281
01 Sep 2008
PMID: 18647289
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Problem
To determine the best method to detect semen in human vaginal secretions.
Method of study
Vaginal secretions from 302 pregnant women at mean 11.8 weeks' gestation were analyzed. Semen detection was assessed with: (i) measurement of total prostate-specific antigen (PSA), (ii) acid phosphatase activity, (iii) microscopic measurement of spermatozoa on Gram stain, and (iv) self-reported sexual intercourse in the past 2 days. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for each technique in comparison with PSA levels.
Results
A total of 119 (39.4%) women had a detectable PSA. Compared with measurable PSA, the sensitivity and specificity for other methods were: acid phosphatase (26.9%, 98.4%), Gram stain (36.1%, 98.4%), and self-report of intercourse in the past 48 hr (41.9%, 88.8%).
Conclusion
Compared with PSA levels, commonly used assays for recent semen exposure are inaccurate. This inaccuracy may affect the results of studies, which measure vaginal immune factors like cytokines or retrieve DNA from vaginal specimens.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Evaluation of semen detection in vaginal secretions: Comparison of four methods
- Creators
- Jennifer Flatow Culhane - Drexel UniversityPaul Nyirjesy - Drexel UniversityKelly McCollum - Drexel UniversityGiorgia Casabellata - University of UdineManuela Di Santolo - University of UdineSabina Cauci - University of Udine
- Publication Details
- American journal of reproductive immunology (1989), v 60(3), pp 274-281
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Number of pages
- 8
- Grant note
- TS-0626; TS-0561 / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/ATPM; United States Department of Health & Human Services; Centers for Disease Control & Prevention - USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000258440400012
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-50149088409
- Other Identifier
- 991019339704704721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology