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What Every Law Enforcement Officer Should Know About DNA Evidence

Investigators and Evidence Technicians

Sample from a Smear

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Collecting a Sample from a Smear

Collecting a sample from a smear is different from collecting from a thicker stain. Use the following procedure:

  • Use a slightly moistened (with distilled water), sterile cotton swab and concentrate the substance on the tip of the swab.
  • Follow with a second dry swab.
  • Allow the swabs to air-dry.
  • Label and package evidentiary swabs in envelopes or bindle paper.

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