5.1 These specifications are designed to ensure that evidence associated with a sexual violence investigation is handled and analyzed in the most useful manner and without wasting evidentiary materials and analytical time or resources, or both.

These specifications describe the basic elements of a request for the scientific examination of physical evidence collected in the investigation of a sexual assault. These specifications outline considerations that will facilitate the analysis of sexual assault evidence by a potentially large group of forensic experts. The request for scientific examination of sexual assault evidence should include a completed sexual assault medical/nurse sexual assault examiner/medical examiner evaluation form in accordance with the requirements.

1.1 These specifications describe the basic elements of a request for the scientific examination of physical evidence collected in the investigation of a sexual violence incident. These specifications are designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications, guides, and practices associated with sexual violence examinations that are listed in Section 2.

1.2 These specifications outline considerations that facilitate the analysis of sexual violence evidence by forensic experts. These experts can include, but are not limited to, serologists, toxicologists, pathologists, odontologists, latent print examiners, firearm and toolmark examiners, and trace materials analysts. The success of their combined work requires a clear understanding of the issues and relationships involved in the case.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.