Opinion ID: 1289067
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Severson-Tomek's Testimony

Text: When she testified, Severson-Tomek explained the training and education necessary to become a certified SANE, and her qualifications and experience are not disputed. She had been performing examinations as a SANE for about 21/4 years and had performed approximately 83 such examinations. For each examination of a suspected sexual assault victim, Severson-Tomek employed the same methods and procedures, and she specifically testified that the methods and procedures that she used were generally accepted. Severson-Tomek also explained those procedures in more detail. A sexual assault kit is used to specifically assist in the collection of physical evidence. There are 14 steps in the use of a sexual assault kit: consent and collection of patient history, collection of underwear, collection of debris from clothing, fingernail scrapings, three collections of hair samples, a saliva sample, an oral swab, a vaginal swab and smear, a rectal swab, and a blood sample. All of the steps are performed, unless the patient refuses. A colpo scope is used to conduct a detailed examination of the patient's genitalia. The colposcope provides magnification and illumination and takes photographs. Ultraviolet light is used to look for additional evidence. Laboratory tests are performed on bodily fluid samples, and the patient's clothing is collected. The SANE's findings are reviewed by the emergency room doctor, and another SANE reviews the photographs and makes her own observations. According to Severson-Tomek, K.G. was cooperative and did not refuse any part of the procedure. Severson-Tomek testified, over objection, to several abnormal abrasions that she observed during her examination of K.G. Severson-Tomek specifically testified that she did not have an opinion as to the cause of an abrasion she observed on K.G.'s cervical os, or opening, and she did not offer any other opinion as to what could have caused the other abnormalities she observed.