What is a S.A.N.E. Exam?

Triage
The sexual assault exam is always secondary to treating emergency or life-threatening injuries. As a result, the SANE will evalute all patients to ensure that they are medically stable and able to consent to services. The SANE will describe the various components of an examination at the time you arrive at the unit. The exam includes a head-to-toe medical assessment to determine the extent and type of your injuries; medical history and patient narrative of the assault; evidence collection; photo documentation; medications; safety planing; and discharge/follow up instructions. 

Medical History
The SANE will gather a thorough medical history from the sexual assault patient. Information including personal hygiene since the assault, nature of the assault, and length of time since the assault are all pertinent to the physical exam and help guide the SANE through the exam. 

Photodocumentation
Photodocumentation compliments the SANE's documentation of the medical/forensic history and physical findings by capturing still images of each injury.  Both a digital camera and a Wallach ZoomScope colposcope can be used with patient's permission.

Sexually Transmitted Infection and Pregnancy Prevention
Sexual assault patients are offered medications to prevent sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. Additional follow-up testing and treatment may be suggested. If you have risk factors for HIV a referral for testing and possible treatment will be made.

Discharge/Safety Planning/Referrals
At the completion of the exam, the nurse will go over all the discharge instructions including medication, injury treatment, and additional medical follow-up. She will also help the patient implement a safety plan. She will provide you a list of referrals to assist you with your recovery. These will include referrals for counseling services, financial assistance, victim advocacy, and law enforcement. The SANE will also assist you in the event you have not reported to law enforcement and have now chosen to do so.

Follow-up services
Sexual assault patients are asked by the SANE if they wish to be contacted by a patient advocate in the coming days. Follow-up services include additional photography of injuries, reviewing referrals, assistance with Crime Victims Reprepation Funding Applications, medical follow up referrals with our medical director, and other needed services.

Testimony
SANEs have additional specialized training to provide testimony in a court hearing if your case is to be tried by the District Attorney's Office.  The SANE who conducted your exam has made a commitment to be available to you, no matter how long it takes for your case to go to trial.