Wet-to-Dry Transfer
Definition
The process of air-drying wet biological exhibits (bloody clothing, wet swabs) before final sealing. Sealing wet biological material in any container causes bacterial growth that degrades DNA; air-drying prevents this.
- Applies to
- Bloody clothing, wet swabs, other biological exhibits
- Step
- Air-drying before final sealing
- Risk if skipped
- Bacterial growth degrading DNA
- Stage
- Between collection and packaging
Common questions
Is wet-to-dry transfer the same requirement as wet evidence drying in a SAFE kit?+
Yes, both describe the same underlying rule, that wet biological material must be air-dried before sealing; the terminology differs slightly depending on whether the source discusses general search-and-collection protocol or the sexual assault evidence kit specifically.
What packaging is used once wet-to-dry transfer is complete?+
Once dried, items typically go into paper bags or envelopes rather than plastic, since paper continues to allow any residual moisture to escape and further reduces the chance of degradation during storage and transport.
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