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.
• Collect a control sample by swabbing unstained adjacent surface areas with a sterile swab slightly moistened with distilled water.
• Use a slightly moistened swab and follow with a second dry swab for a perspiration smear.
• Allow the swabs to air-dry.
• Label and package evidentiary swabs and control swabs separately in envelopes or bindle paper.

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