Updated Guidance on Acute Care of Adolescent Sexual Assault

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends nucleic acid amplification testing instead of culture to detect some sexually transmitted pathogens, and the window for evidence collection is expanding.

Sponsoring Organization: American Academy of Pediatrics

Target Population: Clinicians who care for adolescents after acute sexual assault

Background and Objective

An estimated 18% of girls and 12% of boys report at least one unwanted sexual experience in adolescence. Acute care should focus on physical and mental health, prophylaxis against pregnancy and infection, and evidence collection. These guidelines for adolescents are not meant for younger sexually abused children.

Key Recommendations

Obtain urine or blood for toxicology testing as soon as possible when there are symptoms or signs of intoxication or concern about drug involvement.
A normal physical exam should not be used to determine if assault occurred, as most victims will have a norma…

Reviewing Author

Daniel M. Lindberg, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportEunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; MINDSOURCE

Editorial BoardsThe Quarterly Update: Reviews of Current Child Abuse Medical Research; Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesThe Helfer Society (Executive Committee Member)