The Pitt' Sensitively Portrays Rape Kit Exam with Expert Guidance

The HBO Max medical drama delves into the confidential process to collect DNA and evidence, providing one of the most detailed depictions on television.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The episode of 'The Pitt' focuses on a young woman named Ilana who arrives at the emergency department after being sexually assaulted. The show's writing team worked with consultants from the UCLA Health Rape Treatment Center and Pittsburgh Action Against Rape to accurately and sensitively depict the rape kit exam process, which is carried out by the department's certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE), Dana. The episode aims to highlight the important work of SANEs and the bravery required of survivors to undergo the detailed and lengthy exam.

Why it matters

The storyline serves to educate viewers about the rape kit exam process, which is often misunderstood. It also explores the emotional toll the exam can take on survivors and the support systems available to them, regardless of whether they choose to file a police report. The episode is part of the show's broader focus on the challenges and trauma experienced by healthcare providers, in this case Dana, who is still grappling with her own assault from the previous season.

The details

The episode follows Ilana, a visibly shaken young woman, as she undergoes the rape kit exam with the guidance of Dana, the department's SANE nurse. The process is meticulously detailed, from Dana collecting Ilana's clothing as evidence, to using a black light to check for bodily fluids, to swabbing her mouth and nails. At various points, Dana assures Ilana that she can take breaks and that the decision to file a police report can be made later. However, when the exam reaches the internal vaginal collection, Ilana panics and asks to stop the process, which will carry over into the next episode.

  • The episode takes place on the Fourth of July, with the exam occurring in the afternoon hours.

The players

Dr. Robby

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

Dr. Al-Hashimi

A doctor who examines Ilana for any immediate medical needs during the rape kit exam.

Dana Evans

The department's certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) who carries out the detailed rape kit exam with Ilana.

Emma

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

Ilana

A young woman who arrives at the emergency department after being sexually assaulted.

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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 (Los Angeles Times)

“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 (Los Angeles Times)

“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 who plays Ilana (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The episode will continue in the next installment, as Ilana decides whether to complete the rape kit exam after initially panicking during the internal vaginal collection portion.

The takeaway

The sensitive and detailed portrayal of the rape kit exam process on 'The Pitt' aims to educate viewers and highlight the critical work of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners, as well as the bravery required of survivors to undergo the exam, even if they are unsure about pressing charges at the time.