[Securing evidence after sexual offences is an important task for physicians. Increasing severity of crimes and use of DNA analyses necessitate higher quality standards].

Forensic DNA analysis of biological specimens such as blood and semen often yields vital evidence in contemporary criminal investigations. Appropriate, correctly performed physical examination in cases of sexual offences is of crucial importance in providing the forensic analyst with genital and extra-genital samples, for example. Despite the availability of standard guidelines for procedures to be followed by the examining physician during sampling, many cases submitted to the National Laboratory of Forensic Science at Linköping lack adequate material for forensic analysis. A recently modernised 'sexual offence kit' is now available, containing the equipment and instructions needed to facilitate standard forensic sampling for the general physician.