Exhibit Packaging

Question 1

What are the 4 important things to consider when packaging biological exhibits?

Answer 1

Prevent cross contamination
Prevent external contamination
Maintain integrity of exhibits
Appropriate packaging

Question 2

When is an exhibit considered properly sealed?

Answer 2

Only if it’s contents cannot readily escape or become contaminated and only if the subsequent opening of the container is obvious due to damage/ alteration of the seal

Question 3

What are the minimum labelling requirements?

Answer 3

Forensic exhibit number
Forensic register number
Brief description of item and/ or qprime property tag attached

Question 4

When is the best time to sample an exhibit?

Answer 4

If possible it should be done at the scene to prevent double handling

Question 5

What should you do if the biological exhibit is wet?

Answer 5

Item to be dried out. If not possible it is to be placed into plastic bag and placed in fridge or freezer and dried out asap. Label ‘wet item’.

Question 6

When can an exhibit be transported via Australia post?

Answer 6

With samples taken from volume crime. Should be delivered within 5 days of collection.
Samples taken from major crime can be posted but only if parent samples still available for retesting if required.

Question 7

What is a QP127 and when do you need it?

Answer 7

Only needed for whole items being submitted to QHFSS.
Examples- condoms, syringes,
Not cigarettes butts