The InSite Semen Detection Kit allows fast, easy identification of seminal fluids.

The InSite Semen Detection Kit includes AP and PSA tests for fast, easy identification of semen on up to 25 garments, fabrics or surfaces.

InSite is easy to use and yields results in seconds while using the AP test strips, or results after 10 minutes with the more sensitive PSA test.



The kit contains 15 AP test strips in a resealable pouch with desiccant, 10 PSA test strips in sealed individual pouches and a 5-mL dropper. The AP strips can detect semen down to a 1/2000 dilution, while the PSA strips can detect semen to a 1/500,000 dilution.

Identify Semen Stains, Fast

The InSite Semen Detection Kit utilizes the same detection technology used by forensic investigators worldwide. InSite includes two types of test strips: acid phosphatase (AP) and prostate specific antigen (PSA), which, when used together, provide concrete evidence of semen on undergarments, bedsheets, fabrics or other surfaces.

This kit is designed to be easy to use and yields instant results with the AP test strips, or results after 10 minutes with the more sensitive PSA test.

How InSite Semen Detection Works

Semen has over 900 identified proteins among which are semenogelin I and II (gel-forming proteins produced by the seminal vesicles), prostate-specific antigen (a protease which breaks down semenogelin), and acid phosphatase (which breaks down spermatozoa cell membranes). These proteins can be identified by immuno-chromatographic assay, which forms the principle of the PSA test in the InSite kit.

Acid phosphatase (AP) detection relies on the catalytic hydrolysis of 1-naphthyl phosphate to form 1-naphthol, which in turn reacts with an aryl diazonium salt, forming an intensely colored azo dyestuff. In addition to proteins, semen also has unusually high concentrations of zinc (100-200 mg/L v. 1 mg/L in plasma). Zinc acts to stabilize DNA inside spermatozoa and also may catalyze the gel-forming reaction between semenogelin I and II. Semen may be detected by the modified zinc test of Hooft and van de Voorde, but this test does not give as dramatic a color change at low dilutions as the AP test, and therefore the latter was chosen for inclusion in the InSite kit.

Sensitivity

Semen may be detected up to 17 hours after intercourse with the AP test strips, and up to 36 hours after intercourse with the PSA test strips. The test kit includes both types. The AP test is presumptive, and a positive result should always be followed by a PSA test for confirmation of the presence of semen.

Specificity

The PSA test is 100% specific for semen at a dilution of 1/500,000 or less. This means that the probability of a false positive result is essentially zero within the first 12 hours after discharge.

Is this a legitimate forensic test?

Both the PSA test and the AP test are used for the forensic detection of semen by professional investigators worldwide. The PSA test in particular has been validated for use in forensic investigations, and the small amount of PSA present in other bodily fluids has been shown not to interfere with the detection of semen.

How does this kit compare with other semen detection kits?

InSite is unique in that it has two kinds of test strips: AP and PSA. In case of a strong stain, both tests will be strongly positive and will provide the investigator with a more certain conclusion that the item being tested does in fact contain semen. The AP strips are designed for quick field use, and only require the investigator to press the test paper against a moist stain, with results appearing in 15 sec. InSite strips have a peel-off adhesive backing, and can be affixed to a notebook for record-keeping.

Will the AP test strips leave stains?

There is a possibility the azo dyestuff in the AP test strip will stain a test garment. Therefore, if you are concerned about this, you should first wet the article with a few drops of water, press a cotton-tipped swab against the wetted area and then press the swab against the AP strip.

How to Use

AP test: place 5-10 drops of water on a suspect area of the garment. Press an AP strip against it. A color change to bright purple within the first 60 seconds is a POSITIVE test. If the test is POSITIVE, proceed with a PSA test to confirm the presence of semen. If the test is NEGATIVE, but you are suspicious there might be a trace of semen on the garment, do the PSA test anyway.



PSA test. Place 15 mL of water in a cup using the supplied dropper. Then, manually extract the suspect area of the surface by repeatedly allowing water to soak in, then pressing it out. Finally, wring out the garment into the cup. Place a PSA test strip into the cup and wait 10 minutes. Then, take the test strip out and lay it on a clean dry surface. Read the test strip after 10 minutes. A POSITIVE test is indicated by two lines as shown below. A strongly positive test will be clearly visible within two minutes, while a weakly positive test may take the entire 20 minutes to become evident.

Includes

15 AP test strips in a resealable pouch with desiccant

10 PSA test strips in individual sealed pouches

5-mL dropper

Instruction sheet

Materials Required

Distilled water

Latex gloves

Disposable cup



Optional: UV Light for Stain Detection