Important Note
This test does not require a kit. Once we confirm your order, you will be sent a confirmation email with a form attached. The form needs to printed, filled out and returned with your sample. Ensure to place the sample to be tested in a paper envelope. If you plan sending in more than 1 sample, contact us for a quote.
The 3 Steps in Semen Detection Testing
We don’t just offer the standard run of the mill presumptive tests which could give you a wrong result, we actually include confirmatory testing for ultimate accuracy and reliability.
In fact, the test consists of 3 tests, carried out simultaneously. 2 of these tests are presumptive tests, meaning they will ascertain whether the sample is probably semen. The third test is a confirmatory test which will confirm with certainty whether the sample is actually semen.
| Type of test | Aim and results |
| Acid phosphatase screening test (presumptive test) | Semen contains an enzyme called Acid phosphatase which is found abundantly in semen but also in vaginal fluid. If enzyme is detected, a purple colour results which could indicate presence of semen. |
| Acid phosphatase screening test (presumptive test) | When PSA is tested for using a special strip, the resulting colour change will be red if semen is detected. |
| Microscopic analysis for the presence of semen (confirmatory test) | Microscopic analysis involves the analysis of sperm under a microscope the required magnification needed to view spermatozoa. This final test will confirm with certainty whether the stain is semen or not. |
Further DNA Testing
A semen detection test will simply confirm whether the suspicious stain is actually semen. The test relies on the analysis of proteins which are found in semen. In a semen detection test, no DNA is analysed. If you wish to investigate the matter further, we suggest carrying a DNA test on the semen sample and sending in a comparison DNA sample collected using mouth swabs. In this way, we can confirm whether the DNA in the two samples belongs to the same person or to two different people. If you opt for further testing the following should be noted:
- Semen detection testing takes 10 – 15 working days
- DNA verification of the sample used in the semen detection test takes a further 10 days*
- The comparison of 2 samples takes a further 3 days
To read more about our DNA based infidelity test that can be carried out with a range of samples including semen, blood, nail clippings and more, click here.
All turnaround times are cited in working days. Weekends and public holidays are not included.
*We cannot be sure that the semen sample used in the semen detection test contains any DNA or whether the DNA in the sample is viable for extraction until we carry out a DNA verification test. DNA is found in the actual sperm cell and whilst semen will contain sperm cells, pre-ejaculate lacks sperm and thus, no DNA can be extracted from such a sample.