Decontamination of Samples and Evidence

1. Decontamination of Samples and Evidence

2. Sample and Evidence Collection • All samples and evidence are collected following best work practices for sampling and forensic collection procedures • All samples are placed in a plastic bag after collection and required documentation is completed

3. Sample and Evidence Decontamination: Chem-Bio • Samples and evidence require their own decontamination stations • Stations are usually found in the Exclusion Zone near the equipment drop station

4. Station 1: Applying Decon Solution Plastic bag is washed with an appropriate decontamination solution (i.e. bleach solution 5%, DS-2, Sandia Foam, etc..)

5. Station 2:Contact Time • Most decontamination solutions require 15-30 minutes contact time • Contact time : is the amount of time that the decontamination solution is in contacted with the suspected agent • Decon solution must remain “fresh” on the sample or evidence (may require multiple sprayings, soakings, floatings)

6. Contact Evaluation • A test was conducted to verify that data could be recovered from a photo CD using standard Decon solutions. • CD were submerged into the Decon solution for the duration of the contact time

7. Photo CD Test Results

8. Station 2: Technical Issues • Air time • Chain of Custody

9. Station 3: Rinse The sample/evidence bag is rinsed with de-ionized water The objective is not to introduce any outside contaminates that may be found in tap water and other bottled water. Rule of thumb: use the purest available

10. Station 4:Drying • All sample/evidence bags are dried using disposable rags, absorbent pads, air drying, etc.. • The waste is collected and held for proper disposal

11. Station 5: Double Bag • The sample/evidence bag is then place inside a second plastic bag that is being held in the decontamination reduction corridor . • Sample/evidence bag is then passed down the Decon line to the contamination control line • Sample/evidence bag is then placed in a third bag inside the support zone and is turned over to the sample/evidence custodian

12. Station 5: Technical Issues • Decon team members touching the sample/evidence bag are clean having just entered the Decon line • Sample/evidence bag is in line of sight of the sample/evidence custodian at all times

13. Decontamination: RAD • Radiological Surface Contamination

14. Station 1: Removal of Surface Contamination Standard military medical practices spray the items with standard Decon solutions which will remove any contaminants Plastic bag is carefully wiped or vacuumed Remember you are dealing with particulate matter and want to limit the spread of contamination

15. Station 2: Rinse The sample/evidence bag is rinsed with de-ionized water The objective is not to introduce any outside contaminates that may be found in tap water and other bottled water. Rule of thumb: use the purest available

16. Station 3 :Drying If possible a surface wipe should be collected and tested for residual surface contamination

17. Station 4: Double Bag • The sample/evidence bag is then place inside a second plastic bag that is being held in the decontamination reduction corridor . • Sample/evidence bag is then passed down the Decon line to the contamination control line

18. Draft Method Dealing with samples at the Decon line: • Step 1: At the start of the Decon line Place the double-bagged sample into the plastic container provided at the designated Sample Decon Station.

19. Draft Method • Step 2: Using the Decon equipment provided at the Sample Decon Station, begin by decontaminating the outer gloves. Mist the gloves with the Decon solution. Scrub the gloves with the brush provided. Finish Decon by misting the gloves with the rinse solution.

20. Draft Method • Step 3: Decontaminate the outer Ziploc baggie utilizing the same procedure preformed for the outer gloves.

21. Draft Method • Step 4: Completely dry the outside of the sample baggie and gloves with the disposable wipes provided at the Sample Decon Station. Dispose of the wipes in the container provided at the Sample Decon Station.

22. Draft Method • Step 5: Place the decontaminated sample baggie in another Ziploc bag, label the bag, then transfer the sample to the container located at the “clean” side of the Sample Decon Station.

23. Draft Method • Step 6: M-8 paper and monitoring equipment can be used to verify that proper Decon has been performed.

24. Technical Issues Currently this draft procedure does not consider evidence and chain of custody or documentation of samples