How to Collect a Sample Print E-mail

Approximately 30 microliters of whole blood is required for AbP•ID®

Glass Slide Cotton swab

Denim (porous)                         Glass (non porous)                    Untreated cotton swab

The appearance of 30 microliters of blood will vary depending on the specific substrate, temperature, humidity and other conditions.  The images above can serve as a general reference for what an adequate blood sample may look like on three substrates frequently found or used while processing crime scenes.

Collecting unknown blood samples

Much like other forensic techniques, AbP•ID requires care when collecting samples.  Identity Sciences can analyze the following types of samples:

  • Swabs collected from wet samples
  • Scrapings collected from dried samples
  • Items with suspected blood evidence
  • Swabs collected from dried stains

Collecting blood samples from a known source

Please use a Purple/Lavender Top collection tube that contains EDTA or K2EDTA when collecting known samples for comparison to unknown samples collected from a crime scene.  Please expedite shipment (overnight delivery) on ice or cold pack immediately after known sample collection to the IDS Processing Center.

Swabs collected from wet samples

Swabbing wet blood with multiple swabs, and the co-extraction of these swabs, is advocated in order to enhance overall retrieval of blood evidence.  It is important that these swabs be sterile, DNA-free, and untreated with chemical compounds.

Scrapings collected from dried samples

Scraping methodologies can be a way to collect dried blood evidence to ensure that all the evidence is gathered

Items with suspected blood evidence.

If the suspected blood evidence is located on an item that can be sent to our lab, (e.g. denim, glass, wall-paper) please send the entire item to the AbP•ID Processing Center.  If the item must be returned to the investigating agency, a return service fee may apply.

Swabs collected from dried stains

If the sample is dry and scraping is not possible, please use the AbP•ID Evidence Collection Buffer.  This buffer is not known to compromise blood evidence for any other type of analysis.  Do not use distilled water as a moistening agent as it will DEGRADE and destroy the proteins (Individual Specific Auto-antibodies) utilized in AbP•ID.  AbP•ID Evidence Collection Buffer is available for purchase by contacting an IDS representative.