ETC Storage & Preservation 2

Question 1

What is the primary reason biological evidence such as blood swabs must be air-dried before packaging?

Accepted Answer

To prevent mold and bacterial degradation from moisture

Answer

Moisture trapped in sealed packaging promotes mold and bacterial growth that degrades biological evidence and can destroy DNA.

Question 2

Which storage environment is MOST appropriate for long-term preservation of latent fingerprint cards?

Accepted Answer

Cool, dry, dark environment

Answer

Latent fingerprint cards are best preserved in cool, dry, dark conditions to prevent fading of developed prints and degradation of the substrate.

Question 3

A technician needs to store a firearm recovered from a crime scene. What is the first step before placing it in the evidence locker?

Accepted Answer

Render it safe and document its condition

Answer

Firearms must be rendered safe (verified unloaded) and their condition documented before storage to ensure officer safety and maintain evidentiary integrity.

Question 4

Which container is MOST appropriate for storing soil samples collected from a crime scene?

Accepted Answer

Sealed glass jar or metal can

Answer

Glass jars or metal cans preserve volatile compounds in soil samples better than plastic, which can absorb or off-gas trace chemicals.

Question 5

What temperature range is recommended for storing DNA reference samples for long-term preservation?

Accepted Answer

-20°C or lower (frozen)

Answer

DNA reference samples are stored at -20°C or lower to halt enzymatic degradation and preserve sample integrity for future analysis.

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test

ETC Storage & Preservation 2