4.4.1.3 Exam Room Preparation and Supplies

Prepare the room by gathering equipment and supplies so that the exam may be conducted uninterrupted.

This should include:

  1. A speculum;

  2. Sterile water;

  3. Extra sets of gloves;

  4. Blood drawing supplies;

  5. Supplies for checking vital signs;

  6. A ruler for measuring injuries;

  7. A permanent black marker,

  8. A stable stand for holding the swabs while they air-dry;

  9. Clothing for the patient to wear post exam.

Equipment specific to a sexual assault exam includes:

  1. A colposcope;

  2. Toluidine blue dye;

  3. An alternative light source/woods lamp;

  4. A camera for photography.

For a list of supplies in the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, consult the section, ‘Materials’ under ‘Creating Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits’.

If some supplies are not readily available in the health center, proceed with evidence collection using what you have.

Open the kit, lay out envelopes that you will use (based on the patient narrative) and label each envelope completely and legibly.

Label the envelopes and bags before placing evidence inside. This minimizes the destruction of evidence and prevents the mix-up of evidence samples.

Complete the information on the front of the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit’s white envelopes and brown bag.

Once you have opened the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit, you must maintain the chain of custody.

The examiner is responsible for the evidence.

The examiner must stay with the evidence collected during the exam until all evidence has been properly sealed and secured. Evidence is never to be left alone with the patient, family, friends, legal guardians or advocate (refer to the section, ‘Tracking the Chain of Custody’).

Show the patient the room and supplies, and answer any additional patient questions.

Encourage the patient to have a person of their choice in the exam room to support them during the process.

This may be the trained advocate or a friend or family member.