How is a DNA sample collected?
A standard DNA sample is typically collected as a tube of blood (i.e. from the Medical Examiner’s office, from the jail, etc.) or a buccal swab (use a cotton swab to collect the epithelial cells on the inside of your cheek). A DNA evidence sample can be practically anything that is considered evidence in a particular case. How these samples are collected depends on what the item is. For example, a sheet on a bed could have evidence and crime scene will usually remove the whole sheet so that a more thorough inspection can be done in the laboratory. Items that are typically collected include clothing, weapons of all shapes and sizes, and rape kits (collected at the Rape Treatment Center). Keep in mind, however, that evidence can be almost anything found at a crime scene. Stephanie Stoiloff E-mail: sstoiloff@hotmail.
