Policies to dry, package, label, and seal evidence

Follow jurisdictional policies for drying,[1] packaging, labeling, and sealing the evidence.  Involved responders should be educated regarding these policies. It is critical to air-dry wet evidence at room temperature in a clean, sterile environment and quick manner that prevents contamination.[2] A drying box or other device may be used to facilitate the drying process. Jurisdictions should have policies for handling evidence that cannot be dried thoroughly at the exam site (e.g., wet clothing, tampons, sanitary napkins, tissues, diaphragms, and condoms), as well as for liquid evidence such as urine and drawn blood samples. When packaging dry evidence, use paper containers rather than plastic, because plastic containers retain moisture and promote degradation of biological evidence. Following proper drying and packaging procedures is vital to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria that can destroy an evidentiary sample. 
 
Keep in mind that evidentiary materials include exam documentation. Follow jurisdictional policies for documenting exam findings and the medical forensic history, and packaging, labeling, and sealing such documentation. Properly recording and preserving this information is critical for its admissibility during a trial.

[1] Dry evidence unless indicated otherwise (e.g., freezing).
[2] With the ever-increasing sensitivity of DNA analysis, there is a greater chance that accidental contamination and dilution by foreign DNA can be detected. Every precaution should be taken to reduce outside contamination and dilution of evidence.


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