Manufacturers produce condoms using various materials, both natural and synthetic, and add finely powdered particulates to prevent a rolled-up latex condom from sticking to itself. In the laboratory, forensic scientists use several different techniques to characterize and compare condom particulates. Sexual assailants prefer lubricated condoms to facilitate their crimes, and many condom brands contain a liquid lubricant that can be classified as either wet or dry. Both wet and dry lubricated condoms may also contain the spermicide nonoxynol-9. The recovery and detection of nonoxynol-9, along with particulates and lubricant ingredients, can help show condom use and indicate the specific brand. Condom trace evidence can assist police investigators in several ways: prove corpus delicti, provide evidence of penetration, produce associative evidence, and link acts of serial rapists. In evaluating condom trace evidence, police investigators should wear powder-free gloves to protect themselves from bloodborne pathogens and to avoid leaving particulates that may be similar to those contained in some condom brands. Police investigators should also list condoms on the warrant obtained to search the suspect's possessions, follow proper procedures during medical and victim examinations, and obtain adequate information during suspect and victim interviews. Above all, police investigators should not overlook the evidentiary potential of condom traces. 3 endnotes and 1 photograph