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Laboratory Time and Resources

Time Required to Perform Laboratory Analysis

Step 2: Body Fluid Stain/Tissue Identification

The extent of this step varies from laboratory to laboratory. Some laboratories perform only preliminary tests, which are frequently less time-consuming, but are not definitive. In addition to preliminary testing, laboratories may perform confirmatory testing on stains that have a positive preliminary test result. Confirmatory tests are highly discriminating and allow the analyst to report the origin of the fluid/tissue with a high degree of scientific certainty. These tests typically require significantly more time to perform.

composite image. image one: blue alternate light source showing possible location of biological fluid on item of clothing evidence. image two: purple stain of acid phosphotase presumptive color test for semen. image three: computer screen displaying confirmatory microscopic evaluation for sperm cells.

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