5.1 The procedures put forth in this standard are designed to preserve sexual assault evidence items during collection, storage, and transmittal for analysis at an appropriate laboratory.

1.1 This practice describes the basic considerations that will help preserve different items or types of sexual assault related evidence for subsequent analysis. This practice is designed to be used in conjunction with other specifications, guides, and practices associated with sexual assault examinations that are listed in Section 2.

1.2 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This standard cannot replace knowledge, skill, or ability acquired through appropriate education, training, and experience and should be used in conjunction with sound professional judgment.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.