INTERPOL HANDBOOK ON DNA DATA EXCHANGE AND PRACTICE

Open the sampling kit and ensure that the kit is complete by checking off each itemagainst the check-list provided.Once the sample has been collected using one of the methods described above, placeit in the swab container and/or the small breathable tamper-evident bag provided. Sealthe bag and record crime scene details on the chain of custody form/label (use uniquenumbered seals/bar codes and/or police references). It is of critical importance thateach sample is individually packaged so as to prevent any opportunity for sample-tosamplecross contamination.If at any time during the sampling process the sample (e.g. swab) is dropped or comesinto contact with any other surface, ideally the procedure should be stopped, thesampling kit disposed of and samples taken using a new DNA sampling kit. However,since it is likely that only small amounts of crime stains are present, then the exact chainof events should be documented and submitted together with the sampling kit.Once the samples have been successfully taken, place them in a large tamper-evidentbag, store, and forward to the laboratory as per legal or police force instructionsCollect the wrappers and gloves and dispose of them using designated receptacles.Sexual Offences Medical Examination KitA sexual offences medical examination kit needs to contain at least the following items:• Instruction booklet• Breathable evidence bags/ containers which are unique-numbered or bar-coded• 1 x large sheet of paper in a polythene bag• Pair(s) of disposable gloves• Plain sterile cotton swabs• Cocktail sticks in small self-seal polythene bags for fingernail scrapings• Combs in polythene bags for hair combings• Self seal bags (for swabs, hair samples, blood and saliva bottles etc)• A form with relevant information on the victim or suspect• Packaging material for clothing should be made available by the policeThe contents of sexual offences medical examination kit is for police surgeon or generalmedical officer use only.Potential evidence from the victim’s body would include:• Reference DNA sample from the victim: this is used for identification and eliminationpurposes• Genital swab(s): these may contain DNA transferred by the perpetrator (for examplesperm cells or penile epithelial cells)• Swabbing of the breast and external genital areas: DNA from sperm cells and DNAfrom epithelial cells transferred via the mouth or hands• Swabbing other body surfaces that may have been touched or held, seeking to detectepithelial cells transferred through skin-to-skin contact from perpetrator to victimin the salivaDNA SAMPLINGAND EVIDENCE COLLECTIONPAGE 25