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NFKs

Neck and Fingernails Kits (NFKs)

Neck and Fingernails Kits (officially known as “Trace Evidence Collection Kits” pursuant to Va. Code § 19.2-11.5) are used during forensic medical examinations to collect DNA evidence from the necks and fingernails of victims of strangulation. The kits may also be used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner during death investigations involving possible strangulation.

Neck and Fingernails Kits (NFKs) Questions

  • Do I need to collect an NFK and a PERK?

  • If an incident of strangulation occurs with a sexual assault, a Physical Evidence Recovery Kit (PERK) should be used to collect the DNA evidence. PERKs contain additional swabs for the collection of relevant strangulation samples. An NFK should not be collected in this situation.

  • What if the victim does not want to report the strangulation to law enforcement?

  • Like PERKs for sexual assaults, NFKs for strangulation may be collected “anonymously” during a forensic examination and forwarded to the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services (DCLS) by the collecting health care provider. Va. Code § 19.2-11.6.

  • Do all NFKs have to be submitted to DFS for testing?

  • Unlike PERKs, law enforcement is not required to submit NFKs from reported strangulation cases to DFS for analysis. Va. Code § 19.2-11.8. It is suggested that investigators consult with the Commonwealth’s Attorney to determine whether they recommend submission to DFS. The value of the examination depends on the individual facts of the case.

  • Should I enter the NFK into the PERK Tracking System?

  • No. Neck and Fingernails Kits are NOT entered into the PERK Tracking System.