4.4.2.2 Clothing and Patient Disrobing

The patient is under no obligation to forfeit their clothing for evidence. This is entirely the patient’s decision.

Advise the patient that they may not receive the clothing back, and if it’s returned, it will likely be damaged from lab tests. Explain to the patient that body fluids, hair or trace fibers found on the clothing may contain critical information. 

Even if the patient has changed clothing, it may be useful to collect the underwear worn to the exam, as the underwear may contain drainage fluids post-assault. 

Inspect clothing for any tears, stains or debris, and document the condition of clothing on the history form. Be careful not to lose any trace fibers from the clothing.

Photographs of torn or bloodied clothing can support documentation.

Wet clothing may need to be temporarily laid out for drying and packaging. This must occur in a secured area. Document this in your charting. 

Place two large sheets of paper on the floor, one on top of the other. The bottom sheet keeps the top sheet clean. The bottom sheet will be thrown away while the top sheet, and any debris or trace fibers which fall onto it, will be saved in the pre-labeled ‘Floor Sheet’ bag.

Do not use plastic sheeting. 

Have the patient remove their shoes prior to having them disrobe.

While standing barefoot on the floor sheet, the patient should disrobe and drop clothes gently in the middle of the sheet. These will be the clothes collected for evidence.

If the patient declines submitting their clothes for evidence, have the patient lightly shake their clothes over the floor sheet to collect any potential trace fibers and lay the clothes aside. Allow patient to determine what pieces of clothing will be submitted as evidence. 

Give the patient a hospital gown to wear during the subsequent exam.

The health center or the advocate should provide the patient with a set of clothing to wear home after discharge.