Equipment

To collect DNA evidence, the following should be stored in a preassembled response kit:

• Latex gloves and related Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Swabs (sterile), wooden or plastic.
• Swab boxes or other suitable container for packaging of swabs.
• Tweezers.
• Disposable razor blade or scalpel.
• Scissors.
• Distilled water.
• Bleach sterilization solution ( 1:10), made fresh daily.
• Alcohol pads for cleaning.
• Envelopes or bindle paper.
• Paper wrapping.
• Paper bags.
• Pens/markers.
• Evidence tape.
• Biohazard labels.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to maintain safety and aid in the prevention of cross-contamination includes the following:

• Latex or nitrile gloves.
• Eye protection.
• Paper mask that covers nose and mouth.
• Tyvek white paper body suit.
• Sleeve protectors.
• Shoe covers.
• Hair net.

Cleaning Re-usable Implements

When disposable instruments cannot be used in evidence collection, reusable implements must be properly cleaned. Clean the implements between collection of evidence items with a sterilizing solution, such as bleach and water ( 1:10 ) made fresh daily. This procedure includes thorough cleaning with the bleach solution, wiping or rinsing with alcohol or water and drying.

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