What do the results mean?

We try to confirm the number and gender of DNA samples found in or on your body. A ‘DNA profile’ refers to a person.

If the results do not show the number of people or gender that you expected, it does not mean that someone else wasn’t there, it just means it didn’t show up with our swab, with the tests that we run.

If the results are different from what I expected why might that be?

Whether you find someone else's DNA in your sample can be affected by a variety of factors.

These are the use of a condom, whether ejaculation occurred, whether you have bathed/showered, time elapsed since contact.

The probability of finding another DNA profile varies with these factors and is best within 3 days of contact.

Is it possible that another DNA profile is present on the swab but wasn’t detected by your tests?

Yes it is possible. Enough routinely runs the tests that will most likely detect other DNA profiles. However the police have access to even more sensitive testing options, and they could run those tests on the part of the sample that we store for you.

What happens now?

Whatever you want. We will freeze half of the sample (untested) in case you want to report to the police later.

If you’re considering reporting to the police, take your time, consider speaking to an ISVA at a Sexual Assault Referral Centre.