Continuing Education Opportunity: Journal Article Review

Title: Recommendations for Selection Areas for the Collection of Sexual Assault Evidence from the Oral Cavity

This continuing education opportunity offers healthcare and forensic professionals an in-depth review of the peer-reviewed article "Recommendations for Selection Areas for the Collection of Sexual Assault Evidence from the Oral Cavity." The article presents current research and expert consensus on best practices for oral evidence collection in cases of sexual assault, a critical but often under-discussed component of forensic medical exams.

The article explores anatomical considerations, optimal swabbing techniques, timing of evidence collection, and how variables such as oral hygiene and time since assault impact evidence recovery. Participants will gain an understanding of recommended sites within the oral cavity for evidence collection, the rationale behind these recommendations, and implications for improving the accuracy and reliability of forensic results.

This CE activity is especially relevant for sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs), forensic nurses, emergency department clinicians, and allied forensic professionals. By reviewing this article and completing a short post-test and evaluation, participants will earn 1.0 contact hour of continuing education credit.

This offering reinforces trauma-informed, evidence-based practice while supporting providers in their legal and ethical responsibility to preserve forensic evidence in a manner that maximizes its potential use in the judicial process.

Gregory, B., Quarino, L., & Kishbaugh, J. (2025). Recommendations for Selection Areas for the Collection of Sexual Assault Evidence from the Oral Cavity. Journal of the Academy of Forensic Nursing, 3(2), 5–17. https://doi.org/10.29173/jafn849

Learning Outcomes:

• Identify recommended anatomical locations within the oral cavity for effective forensic evidence collection in sexual assault cases.

• Describe factors that influence the quality and integrity of oral cavity evidence, including timing, technique, and patient-related variables.

• Apply evidence-based guidelines to improve the consistency and reliability of oral swab collection during sexual assault medical forensic exams.