If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. For free, confidential support 24/7, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). They can connect you with a local hospital that has a trained examiner and an advocate who can go with you.
A SANE exam is a medical forensic exam given by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, a registered nurse with specialized training. It provides medical care and can collect evidence, but you decide what happens at every step. This page explains the exam for survivors and supporters, and SANE certification for nurses.
Key takeaways
- The forensic exam is free to survivors under federal law (VAWA).
- You do not have to report to police to get the exam.
- You can say no to any part of the exam, and you can have an advocate with you.
- Evidence is often collected up to about 5 days (120 hours) after an assault; medical care is available any time.
USA SANE Exam: Quick Facts
- Support line
- 800-656-HOPE (4673), 24/7
- Cost to survivor
- $0 for the forensic exam
- Police report required?
- No
- Evidence window
- Often up to ~120 hours (varies by state)
- Who performs it
- A SANE or trained forensic examiner
- Your rights
- Consent to each step; an advocate can be present
What Is a SANE Exam?
A SANE exam, also called a sexual assault forensic exam or “rape kit” exam, has two goals: caring for your health (injuries, pregnancy and STI prevention) and, if you choose, collecting evidence in a way that could support a future investigation.
More on What Is a SANE Exam →Where to Get a SANE Exam
Most exams happen in hospital emergency departments or specialized clinics. Not every hospital has a SANE on duty, so calling the hotline (800-656-4673) or a local rape crisis center first can help you find the right place. If possible, avoid showering, changing clothes or using the bathroom before the exam. If you already have, you can still get care and an exam.
More on Where to Get a SANE Exam →What Happens During a SANE Exam
- Immediate care: urgent injuries are treated first.
- Consent: the nurse explains each step and asks your permission. You can stop or skip anything.
- History: you’re asked what happened, so the nurse knows where to look for injuries and evidence.
- Exam and evidence collection: a head-to-toe exam; swabs, clothing or photographs may be collected with your consent.
- Medications: you may be offered emergency contraception, STI prevention and HIV prevention medicine (nPEP, best started within 72 hours).
- Follow-up: referrals for counseling, medical follow-up and advocacy.
The exam can take a few hours. You can bring a support person or ask for a trained advocate.
More on What Happens During a SANE Exam →SANE Exam Cost and Reporting Options
Under the Violence Against Women Act, states must make sure survivors are not charged for the medical forensic exam, and survivors don’t have to report to police to receive it. Depending on your state, evidence may be stored while you decide whether to report. Some states also let you track your kit online.
More on SANE Exam Cost and Reporting Options →SANE Certification for Nurses (SANE-A and SANE-P)
Registered nurses become Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners after specialized training: at least 40 hours of didactic education plus supervised clinical practice. Two board certifications exist:
- SANE-A®: care of adult and adolescent patients
- SANE-P®: care of pediatric and adolescent patients
Important
2026 change: the International Association of Forensic Nurses (IAFN) dissolved in April 2026. The SANE-A and SANE-P credentials moved to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), which is reviewing the programs and hasn’t yet announced new exam dates. Certifications that were due to expire in 2026 were extended to December 31, 2027. IAFN’s education resources moved to the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA).
Nurses preparing for certification can review core concepts with our SANE practice quiz. Nursing students should also see the NCLEX exam guide.
More on SANE Certification for Nurses (SANE-A and SANE-P) →Free practice test
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Go to the USA SANE Exam practice test →USA SANE Exam FAQs
What is a SANE exam?
A medical forensic exam given by a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner after a sexual assault. It provides medical care and, with your consent, collects evidence.
Full answer →Is a SANE exam free?
Yes. Under the Violence Against Women Act, survivors should not be charged for the forensic exam itself.
Full answer →Do I have to report to the police to get a SANE exam?
No. You can get the exam without reporting. In many states, evidence can be stored while you decide.
Full answer →How long after an assault can I get a SANE exam?
Evidence is often collected up to about 5 days (120 hours) after an assault, depending on your state, but medical care and support are available at any time.
Full answer →How do nurses become SANE certified?
Registered nurses complete SANE training (at least 40 hours of didactic education plus clinical practice) and can earn SANE-A or SANE-P board certification, which moved to the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) in 2026.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Coverage, prices and requirements change and vary by provider and location. Confirm details with your provider, insurer or the agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.