Laboratory Time and Resources

Time Required to Perform Laboratory Analysis

Step 1: Screening Process

This step entails examining the evidence and determining the location of biological evidence.⁶ The methods used to locate stains depend on the type of body fluid/tissue likely to be present. One of the simplest forms of evidence is a swab or similar collection device collected by a law enforcement officer, health care worker, and/or crime scene technician.

Frequently, little effort is required to locate the stain on a swab. Evidence that is slightly more complex includes blood on a hard surface, such as window glass; stains on items such as clothing, bed sheets, blankets and carpet can be challenging. These types of evidence require additional time for processing.

⁶ Phoenix Police Forensic Biology PDF download: 1.8MB • Visit the Phoenix Police Department »