iPhone-Based Colposcope for Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations

ID# 2018-4792
SAFE-T Center’s iPhone-based colposcope

Technology Summary

Meticulous, high-quality photo-documentation of genital tissue (specifically genital injury) is critically important in the forensic evaluation of sexual assault and gynecology. Current technology to aid in magnification, image capture and secure storage is expensive and requires technological expertise to master. The Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Telehealth (SAFE-T) Center at Penn State helps victims of sexual assault by providing expert consultation and training to nurses – particularly those in rural and underserved communities – who provide care for victims. Using the SAFE-T Center’s iPhone-based colposcope with a custom lens assembly for collecting high-quality photos and videos and an easy-to-use HIPAA-compliant app, an expert can view and guide the live forensic exam in progress (via an encrypted video call), helping to ensure best practices and proper evidence collection.

Application & Market Utility

Hospitals in rural communities typically don’t see many sexual assault cases each year, which can present challenges for nurses to keep their skills up to date. Furthermore, sexual assault exams can be technically and emotionally difficult, and staff who perform them may be difficult to retain. This technology, which is simple and intuitive to use, offers quality assurance, peer support, mentorship and on-demand training to ensure that nurses provide quality care to victims of sexual assault – and feel confident in doing so.

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