What is the proper procedure for handling clothing covered in blood?

The proper procedure for handling clothing covered in blood involves collecting the blood-stained item and allowing it to dry in a bio air-dry chamber. This approach is crucial because it preserves the integrity of the biological evidence for forensic analysis. By collecting the entire item, you ensure that all potential evidence, including trace DNA or other biological material, is preserved. Drying the item in a controlled environment, such as a bio air-dry chamber, helps prevent contamination and degradation that could occur if items are improperly handled or stored.

In contrast, washing the clothing would destroy critical evidence needed for analysis. Placing it immediately in a plastic container without allowing it to dry could promote mold growth or degradation of biological material. Cutting off the stained section not only risks losing valuable evidence from the rest of the item, but also removes context that could be important for the investigation. Thus, the method of collecting the blood-stained item and drying it appropriately is the most effective and scientifically sound protocol for handling such evidence.