Crime Scene Collection Techniques

The importance of avoiding cross contamination cannot be overemphasized. The crime scene investigator performing the collection must ensure tools are clean or sterilized and that gloves are changed between handling each sample.

Collection methods differ depending on the type of evidence and the substrate upon which it is found. It is preferable to collect evidence in its original state. If the evidence is fragile or can easily be lost, the entire object should be collected and packaged, if size and circumstances permit.

Some laboratories recommend the submission of substrate controls. Substrate controls are clean samples of the collection materials or unstained portions of the material the biological evidence is deposited on. The laboratories can use these to troubleshoot contamination, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) inhibition, or interference with fluorescence.

The investigator should consult the local forensic laboratory and refer to the department standard operating procedures regarding collection and preservation of biological evidence.

Collection Procedures For Blood & Other Body Fluids

Cuttings:

Removal of a section of the item containing the stain using a sterile or clean cutting device.

Wet Absorption:

A sterile swab, gauze pad, or threads are slightly moistened with sterile distilled water. An effort should be made to concentrate the stain in a localized portion of the swab or pad. For example, when using a swab, the stain should be concentrated on the tip. The collection medium is concentrated into the stain and allowed to air dry. Some laboratories recommend following the first moistened swabbing with a second dry swabbing to ensure thorough sample collection. Both swabs are retained and submitted for analysis.

Scraping Method:

Using a clean razor blade or scalpel, the sample is scraped into a clean piece of paper that can be folded and packaged in a paper envelope or other appropriate packaging.

Lifting with Tape:

For dried blood stains on a non-absorbent surface, fingerprint lifting tape may be placed over the stain and lifted off. The stain is transferred to the adhesive side of the tape, which may then be secured on a clear piece of acetate for submission to the laboratory.

Collection Procedures For Hair & Fibers

Visual Collection:

On some surfaces, hairs and fibers can be seen with the naked eye. Using clean forceps and trace paper, the sample can be removed from the surface and placed into a clean piece of paper that can be folded and packaged in a paper envelope or other appropriate packaging.

Tape Lifting:

Water or methanol soluble tapes are available for the collection of trace hair and fiber evidence. The tape is applied to the location of the suspected sample, removed, and packaged.

Vacuuming Method:

The area where the suspected samples are located are vacuumed up and caught in a filtered trap attached to the vacuum. These samples are packaged in clean trace paper for submission to the laboratory. Vacuuming is the least desirable collection method because there is a risk of cross contamination if the equipment is not properly cleaned between each use.

Reference Sample Collection

Reference samples should be collected from individuals who might be linked to the crime scene where DNA evidence is found. Reference samples can be used for elimination or comparative analysis. For example, buccal swab samples taken from the suspect and/or victim, a known source, should be compared to biological evidence found at the crime scene to eliminate or place them at the scene.

Buccal Swab:

Sterile swabs or other buccal collection devices are rubbed against the inside cheek of the individual's mouth to collect epithelial cells for analysis.

Liquid Blood Samples:

Generally collected in purple topped vacuum tubes that contain the preservative ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA).

Packaging & Storage:

Biological evidence should be dried before packaging to minimize sample degradation. Packaging in paper is preferred; however, some laboratories allow packaging in plastic if the sample is thoroughly dried.

Liquid samples, such as water from a toilet bowl or pipes, should be properly documented and packaged in sterile glass or plastic containers and refrigerated as soon as possible.

(Information provided by the Department of Justice)

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