Name two types of evidence that require cold storage at a crime lab.

Name two types of evidence that require cold storage at a crime lab.

• A. Digital data and computer logs.
• B. Fire debris and explosive residues.
• C. Biological samples (blood, tissue, semen) and certain chemical or biological evidences that degrade rapidly.
• D. Clothing fibers that are dry and non-biological.

Answer: (C)

Cold storage slows down processes that can alter evidence after collection. Biological samples such as blood, tissue, and semen contain DNA and enzymes that will degrade or be consumed by microbes if kept at room temperature; refrigeration or freezing helps preserve DNA integrity and the overall sample for analysis. Some chemical or biological evidences are unstable and degrade rapidly due to reactions, volatility, or enzymatic activity; keeping them cold slows these changes and maintains their original state until testing. Other types, like digital data or dry non-biological materials, don’t rely on cold storage to stay intact under normal handling.

Cold storage slows down processes that can alter evidence after collection. Biological samples such as blood, tissue, and semen contain DNA and enzymes that will degrade or be consumed by microbes if kept at room temperature; refrigeration or freezing helps preserve DNA integrity and the overall sample for analysis. Some chemical or biological evidences are unstable and degrade rapidly due to reactions, volatility, or enzymatic activity; keeping them cold slows these changes and maintains their original state until testing. Other types, like digital data or dry non-biological materials, don’t rely on cold storage to stay intact under normal handling.