Which container is preferred for hairs, glass, fibers, and other trace evidence?

Which container is preferred for hairs, glass, fibers, and other trace evidence?

• A. Plastic pill bottles with lids
• B. Metal tins with lids
• C. Glass jars
• D. Paper envelopes

Answer: (A)

Trace evidence must be kept in containers that prevent loss, contamination, and degradation. Plastic pill bottles with lids are ideal because they are rigid, seal tightly, and protect small items like hairs, fibers, and glass fragments from movement and environmental factors. The containers are easy to label, stack, and store, and they help keep each item isolated to reduce cross-contamination. Glass jars can break and scatter fragments; metal tins can rust or react with certain residues; paper envelopes, while breathable, can allow fibers to shed, moisture to affect evidence, or cross-contaminate. Plastic pill bottles strike a good balance of durability, containment, and practicality for trace evidence collection.

Trace evidence must be kept in containers that prevent loss, contamination, and degradation. Plastic pill bottles with lids are ideal because they are rigid, seal tightly, and protect small items like hairs, fibers, and glass fragments from movement and environmental factors. The containers are easy to label, stack, and store, and they help keep each item isolated to reduce cross-contamination.

Glass jars can break and scatter fragments; metal tins can rust or react with certain residues; paper envelopes, while breathable, can allow fibers to shed, moisture to affect evidence, or cross-contaminate. Plastic pill bottles strike a good balance of durability, containment, and practicality for trace evidence collection.