Blood and Body Fluid Collection

The most common methods used to collect blood and body fluid evidence include the following:

• Cuttings. Remove a section of the item containing the stain using a sterile or clean cutting device.
   
• Wet absorption. A sterile swab, gauze pad or threads slightly moistened with distilled water. Concentrate the stain in a localized portion of the swab or pad. When a swab is used, the stain should be concentrated on the tip. The collection medium is pressed or rubbed 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. The sample in the video below is scraped with a clean razor blade or scalpel, into a clean piece of paper that can be folded and packaged in a paper envelope. This is a method to be used in a controlled environment (i.e., no wind or traffic) and where the scrapings will not contaminate other evidence." with this text "Scraping method. The sample is scraped with a clean razor blade or scalpel, into a clean piece of paper that can be folded and packaged in a paper envelope. This is a method to be used in a controlled environment (i.e., no wind or traffic) and where the scrapings will not contaminate other evidence.  This method is rarely used on scene.
  
  Open and save a double sided printable version of bindle paper.
   

  Review the YouTube Terms of Service and the Google Privacy Policy

   

• Tape-Lifting method. An optional method for collecting dried blood stains on a nonabsorbent surface is using fingerprint tape. The 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. Note: When using this method, the collector must ensure the fingerprint tape is not contaminated with other biological materials.

Back Forward