M-Vac Needed on Visible Stain

Quick Facts:

• The M-Vac™ is often a good choice even for areas with visible stains.
• The M-Vac™ is a good choice for areas that have already been swabbed.
• M-Vac™ filters can be used in the RapidHit system.

Story Synopsis:

A sexual assault was reported and an investigation began. The alleged incident took place on an air mattress, which was taken in as evidence. There was a visible stain, so tests were run to detect biological fluids. Results were positive. The area was swabbed with two swabs, one of which was tested with the RapidHit machine. However, the sample had several flags and was not usable.

The M-Vac™ was used on the same area. Just a quarter of the filter was submitted to the RapidHit and it came back with a good sample, a match to the sample from the suspect. Other considerations caused the case not to go to trial, but the case adds to the body of knowledge and experience with the M-Vac™. It is typically not necessary to use the M-Vac™ on a visible stain, but as with any traditional efforts, if a sufficient sample has not been procured, it can be helpful to try again with the M-Vac™. 

References are available upon request.  

Source:

Personal correspondence