Forensic Examination of Semen

Semen is an important piece of evidence often found in criminal cases of sexual assault, rape, and homicide. Forensic examination of semen can be crucial in linking the suspect, victim, and crime scene with each other. Visual examination is the first step towards identifying the seminal stains utilising the alternate light sources. It is followed by various chemical tests, microscopic tests, DNA, and RNA-based methods. These methods provide rapid and sensitive identification of semen. The last step is DNA profiling from the seminal stains. However, each of these methods suffers from some limitations and must be used with caution. Proper collection, preservation, and storage of seminal stains is therefore of utmost importance.