What should be done with evidence that may be contaminated by biological material?

The recommended approach for handling evidence that may be contaminated by biological material is to handle it with gloves and package it in breathable materials. This method is crucial for several reasons.

First, wearing gloves minimizes the risk of transferring additional biological material to the evidence and protects the investigator from potential exposure to harmful pathogens. It is vital to maintain the integrity of the biological evidence for analysis, and gloves serve as a barrier against contamination.

Second, using breathable packaging materials, such as paper bags or boxes, allows for proper air circulation and helps prevent the growth of mold or bacteria that can occur in airtight conditions. This is particularly important for biological evidence, as moisture accumulation can degrade the sample and compromise forensic testing results.

Proper storage and handling of biological evidence are essential for maintaining its viability for laboratory analysis and ensuring that the results obtained are credible and reliable.