Rape kit that can genetically trace assaulter is now available in PH

University of the Philippines researchers and Manila HealthTek Inc. launch the SAI.Kit to provide survivors with a scientifically rigorous and legally admissible path to identifying perpetrators through advanced genetic profiling.

Sexual assault survivors can now genetically identify perpetrators with a rape kit developed by researchers from the University of the Philippines.

The kit contains the tools needed for health professionals to collect samples that can be used as admissible evidence in court. Apart from the tools, the kit also has forms that document patient narratives, consent, details of samples collected, and the chain of custody. This ensures that the integrity and validity of the sample will hold up in court.

In order to effectively collect evidence, patients are advised to visit a healthcare facility within 72 hours, as this is the timeframe for biological evidence to remain in the body.

Strengthening the chain of justice

University Research Associate Frederick Delfin started developing the kit in 2003, with the goal of genetically identifying the assaulter. Later, Dr. Maria Corazon A. De Ungria and her team continued to develop a prototype of a sexual assault investigation kit (SAIK).

It was only this year, after decades of testing, validating, and researching, that a more refined version of the kit is now available for public use. It is now rebranded as the SAI.Kit, which will be commercially released in partnership with Manila Healthtek Inc this year.

 

 

The kit contains the tools needed for health professionals to collect samples that can be used as admissible evidence in court.

 

 

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