The Pitt' Sensitively Depicts Rape Kit Exam with Expert Guidance

The medical drama's writers and actors worked closely with consultants to accurately portray the detailed and emotional process.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The episode of 'The Pitt' delves into the confidential medical procedure of a sexual assault forensic exam, also known as a rape kit exam, giving one of the most detailed depictions of the process for television. The writing team and actors worked with consultants from the UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape to construct a realistic and sensitive portrayal of the exam process, focusing on the bravery it takes for a survivor to come forward and the important work of a sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE).

Why it matters

The storyline serves to shed light on the SANE's role in collecting evidence and providing resources and support to survivors, as well as the challenges and trauma survivors face in deciding whether to report an assault and undergo the detailed exam process. The episode aims to educate viewers on the reality of this procedure and challenge misconceptions.

The details

The episode follows a young woman, Ilana, who was assaulted by a male friend at a barbecue. Veteran nurse Dana, the department's certified SANE, guides Ilana through the comprehensive exam, which includes documenting injuries, collecting DNA samples, and taking photos. The process is meticulous, with Dana carefully explaining each step to minimize Ilana's distress. When Ilana panics during the internal examination, Dana suggests a break, highlighting the flexibility and sensitivity required. The director also worked to film the scenes in a non-invasive way, with an intimacy coordinator on set.

  • The episode takes place during the Fourth of July shift in the emergency department.

The players

Dr. Robby

A doctor at 'The Pitt' who enlists Dr. Al-Hashimi to assist with Ilana's case.

Dr. Al-Hashimi

A doctor at 'The Pitt' who examines Ilana for any immediate medical needs.

Dana Evans

A veteran nurse at 'The Pitt' who is the department's certified sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) and guides Ilana through the detailed forensic exam.

Emma

A recent nursing school graduate who assists Dana with the exam.

Ilana

A young woman who has experienced a sexual assault and undergoes the forensic exam at 'The Pitt'.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to highlight the very important and incredible work of a SANE, especially in the department setting. And we also wanted to see the bravery it takes for a survivor to come forward, let alone do a rape kit … It's not an easy decision for somebody to make, and it's not an easy process for somebody to go through.”

— Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman, Co-writer of the episode (dnyuz.com)

“I wanted people to understand the extent of the exam, I think that's a misconception among a lot of people.”

— Dr. Kathleen Sekula, SANE at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh (dnyuz.com)

“The thing that struck me was the fact the other shows might focus on what happened and then dive into that. What I loved about this, the minute she starts talking about it, they cut [away]. There's so much underneath it. I wanted it to be similar to real life when you have a traumatic situation happen — sometimes you can be hyperfocused on certain details, then other things are cloudy. Her head is spinning. She's in shock.”

— Tina Ivlev, Actress playing Ilana (dnyuz.com)

“With Dana's arc and her own assault last season, she's definitely calcified a little this season. She's trying to create a little bit of distance between her and her patients, and is really trying to prioritize her nurse's safety. You see her struggle a little bit with that with this patient. She's wanting to do more for her.”

— Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman, Co-writer of the episode (dnyuz.com)

“It was a very sensitive line because women can get re-traumatized. I remember one of our more detailed conversations with our SANE nurse was about when Dana had to look with the black light for bodily fluid. How do we make sure she would not miss anything but, at the same time, give the victim the feeling that they're still protected? It was super helpful to have our SANE advisor on set to say the way she would do it.”

— Uta Briesewitz, Director of the episode (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

The episode will continue in the next installment, as Ilana struggles with whether to complete the full rape kit exam after initially panicking during the internal examination.

The takeaway

This episode of 'The Pitt' provides a rare and sensitive depiction of the comprehensive rape kit exam process, highlighting the crucial role of the SANE nurse in supporting survivors and the bravery it takes for a survivor to undergo this detailed procedure, even if they are unsure about reporting the assault. The show's commitment to authenticity and consultation with experts aims to educate viewers and challenge misconceptions around this important but often misunderstood process.