What should not be allowed for a patient prior to undergoing a SANE exam?

Prior to undergoing a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) exam, patients should not wash their clothes. This is critically important because any alterations made to the clothing may destroy vital forensic evidence that could be used to help prosecute a sexual assault case. The clothing may contain trace evidence, such as bodily fluids, hair, or other materials that can link an assailant to the crime. Preserving this evidence is key to the legal process; therefore, it is essential to advise patients against washing or altering their clothing in any way before they can be examined properly.

In contrast, other activities like eating a meal, drinking water, or using the restroom might not significantly affect the collection of forensic evidence. While care should be taken regarding these activities, especially if there are concerns about potential toxicology testing or a medical evaluation, they do not have the same direct impact on preserving physical evidence that washing clothes does. Thus, maintaining the integrity of clothing and other evidence is paramount in the context of a SANE exam.