What is a rape kit?

A rape kit is a device that contains the instructions and materials required to conduct a rape exam. The rape kit focuses mainly on evidence collection and is used to collect forensic evidence that will later be sent to the state crime lab for analysis. Despite what the latest CSI episode will have you believe, a rape kit is a surprisingly low tech device, composed mostly of cotton swabs, paper envelopes and microscope slides. But don't be fooled by this simple appearance. The evidence collected with a rape kit is subjected to state-of-the-art analysis by forensic scientists at the crime lab. In forensics, the phrase "garbage in, garbage out" applies. If evidence isn't collected and handled properly before getting to the lab, there is not much the scientists can do with it after it arrives. The purpose of a rape kit is to ensure that evidence is collected properly.

Why does Montana have a special rape kit?

The rape kit used in Montana is specially designed by the state crime lab. The kit is tailored to the lab's analysis procedures and incorporates Montana laws in the instructions. With only one crime lab in the state, the crime lab has plenty of work to do. A state-wide standardized rape kit helps to make the work in the lab more efficient. It also makes it easier to train healthcare professionals who use the kit and allows state-wide training programs such as this one to exist. It is very important that the current Montana rape kit be used for all rape exams conducted in the state.

Tell me about the latest Montana rape kit

The crime lab modified the rape kit in the spring of 2006 and the new kit is available for purchase from a contract vendor (ordering information). The biggest change is that all liquid blood specimens were eliminated. This means three things:

• Completed kits no longer have to be refrigerated as long as all items are properly air-dried.
• The known DNA standard is collected exclusively as a buccal swab and not liquid blood.
• A separate kit is required for toxicology samples. (Toxicology samples are collected if the victim's blood and urine need to be tested for drugs and alcohol.)

Please note that these changes only apply to the new rape kit. For a comprehensive list of changes to the new kit, read the April 2006 crime lab memo.

How do I order rape kits and toxicology kits?

Since the redesign of the rape kit in 2006 (details above), two kits may be necessary to perform a rape exam: a rape kit and a toxicology kit. You may not always need a toxicology kit (it will depend on whether the patient's blood and urine need to be tested for drugs and alcohol), but you need to have both kits on hand. Also, each kit has a shelf life and an expiration date printed on the side of the box.

To order Montana rape kits:

Order rape kits from the following company:

The best way to order rape kits from Sirchie is by telephone. They have a $25.00 minimum order (three kits). Kits usually ship within one week but, if they are back ordered, they may take as long as four to six weeks. Please monitor your supplies and plan accordingly. The approximate shelf life for the new rape kit is five years.

To order Montana toxicology kits:

Toxicology kits are obtained free-of-charge from the state crime lab:

Montana Forensic Science Division
Toxicology Section
2678 Palmer St.
Missoula, MT 59808
(406) 728-1114

The best way to order toxicology kits from the crime lab is to call or email using the information above. Please limit orders to no more than six kits. They will usually ship in one or two days. The approximate shelf life for toxicology kits is nine to 18 months.

The Department of Justice Office of Victim Services provides free rape kits to healthcare providers who participate in the Forensic Rape Exam Payment Program.

Get a print version (pdf format) of this ordering information.

I still have some old rape kits in stock. Can I still use them?

Yes. As long as these kits have not expired (check the expiration date on the side of the box) then you can still use the old kits. However, it is highly recommended that you switch over to the new kit as soon as possible.

A word about expiration dates...

Yes, rape kits and toxicology kits come with expiration dates. We highly recommend that you monitor your supplies so that you never use an expired kit but, as we all know, things happen. If you are ever in a position where you have to use an expired kit - don't panic. There are only two items in the kits that go bad over time, the blood tubes (preservative goes bad) and sterile cotton swabs (sterility is compromised). If you replace these items with equivalent items from your hospital stock and make a note that you did this, then you can go ahead and use the remainder of the expired kit.