Question

What are three important considerations when submitting hair samples to a crime lab?

1) The chain of custody must be properly documented
2) The samples must be properly labeled and packaged
3) The samples must be stored in a secure and controlled environment
4) The samples must be analyzed within a specific timeframe
5) The samples must be handled by trained professionals only

Answer 1

Key considerations when submitting hair samples to a crime lab include maintaining chain of custody, proper labeling and packaging, and controlled storage, all of which are essential for preserving sample integrity for forensic analysis.

Step-by-step explanation:

When submitting hair samples to a crime lab, there are several critical considerations to ensure accurate forensic analysis. First, the chain of custody must be meticulously maintained to provide a documented trail of the sample from collection to analysis. Second, hair samples need precise labeling and secure packaging to prevent mix-ups or contamination. Lastly, samples should be stored in a controlled environment to preserve their integrity until they can be analyzed by trained forensic scientists. These scientists conduct DNA isolation, sequencing, and sequence analysis to produce reliable evidence that may be presented in court. Given the nature of this work, having a background in chemisty, biology, or physics is essential for those pursuing a career in forensic science.