Tamper-evident, self-use testing kit and application for sexual assault survivors in the United States Air Force.

We propose to manufacture the first forensic sexual assault examination kit that has the potential to revolutionize the current practice of evidence collection. Leda Health’s kit will encompass the following features: (A) tamper resistant, patent-pending container that will preserve crucial evidence and maintain chain of custody; these containers include evidence tubes with swabs (anal, vaginal, oral, and penile) to collect, store, and secure organic samples and a sealable bag to collect, store and secure clothing; (B) an integrated online application that collects necessary personal data, guides victims through the evidence collection process using an instructional video, provides an option to call a designated person for support, generates documentation for use in court, and provides storage instructions;  the application is end-to-end encrypted, HIPAA compliant, uses QR codes for tracking, and uses blockchain technology to create immutable timestamps and other records to maintain chain of custody;  the application also works offline if the internet is not readily accessible. In order to adapt our technology for the use in the U.S. Air Forces a smaller version of the kit (approximately the size of a pencil box) will be developed. The kit will retain all critical functions so that it can be distributed through a vending machine. Such a machine could be located in handicapped bathroom stalls in AF buildings, as well as in schools and gym lockers. If a vending machine is installed in a location that restricts access to private smartphones, a small tablet with a pre-loaded application that guides data and evidence collection could be installed adjacent to the vending machine.  This will maintain a victim’s privacy and should create a process that is an effective alternative to either “Restricted” or “Unrestricted” Reports.  This, in turn, should reduce the percentage of unreported sexual assaults. In addition, application improvements will be performed following conversations with the Department of Defense to ensure compliance with Article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.