What should be done to collect loose foreign material from a victim?

What should be done to collect loose foreign material from a victim?

• A. The victim should wash the area before collection.
• B. Loose material should be collected with forceps and placed in plastic bags.
• C. The victim should disrobe on a bedsheet covered with paper.
• D. The victim should wipe the material away with a towel.

Answer: (C)

Collecting loose foreign material from a victim hinges on capturing trace evidence on a clean, controlled surface so you don’t contaminate or lose material. Having the victim disrobe onto a bedsheet that is laid over paper provides a fresh, disposable, and clean collection surface. Loose material on the body or clothing falls onto the paper, staying separate from the victim’s clothing and from surrounding furniture or bedding. This setup makes it easier to visualize, recover with forceps if needed, and package the material in a way that preserves DNA and maintains the evidence’s integrity. The paper surface also helps with drying and reduces the risk of moisture-related degradation that plastic containers can cause. In contrast, washing or wiping would remove or smear traces, and placing material directly in plastic bags can trap moisture and complicate preservation.

Collecting loose foreign material from a victim hinges on capturing trace evidence on a clean, controlled surface so you don’t contaminate or lose material. Having the victim disrobe onto a bedsheet that is laid over paper provides a fresh, disposable, and clean collection surface. Loose material on the body or clothing falls onto the paper, staying separate from the victim’s clothing and from surrounding furniture or bedding. This setup makes it easier to visualize, recover with forceps if needed, and package the material in a way that preserves DNA and maintains the evidence’s integrity. The paper surface also helps with drying and reduces the risk of moisture-related degradation that plastic containers can cause. In contrast, washing or wiping would remove or smear traces, and placing material directly in plastic bags can trap moisture and complicate preservation.