Detection and quantitation of spermatozoa

This research will develop the 'QuantAssure' cassette, a simple lateral flow assay for detecting the presence of semen and spermatozoa in a forensic sample. The purpose of the QuantAssure cassette is to create a virtually hands-off method and non-destructive method for detecting spermatozoa and semen in forensic samples. Spermatozoa and epithelial cells will not be consumed or lysed in this process and virtually all of the DNA evidence that may be obtained from the spermatozoa and epithelial cells will be conserved for DNA typing. This assay will expedite the overall DNA analysis process which will in turn assist in reducing backlogs of untested DNA evidence from sexual assaults. ca/ncf