Comparative analysis of condom lubricants on pre & post-coital vaginal swabs using AccuTOF-DART

•Identification of a nonoxynol mixture in vaginal fluid and condoms' residues.•Detection of a nonoxynol mixture in vaginal samples collected 8 h after intercourse was achieved.•Different sample preparation and instrument setting methods were explored.

In this study we demonstrate the use of Direct Analysis in Real Time Mass Spectrometry (DART) as a powerful tool for detection of nonoxynol in vaginal fluid post contact with a condom, enabling rapid tracing and added evidences in sexual assault crimes. Vaginal fluid was sampled using cotton swabs and glass rods and measured directly with DART. Sample preparation using water, hexane, methanol, and dichloromethane extraction, was explored for comparison and optimization of signals. Nonoxynol was detected up to eight hours after sampling. Optimal sampling conditions and mass spectrometry parameters are reported and discussed.

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