What should be done immediately after collecting a forensic specimen?

The immediate recording of all details of handling a forensic specimen is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the evidence. This documentation process involves noting the time of collection, the conditions under which the specimen was gathered, the identity of the individual who collected it, and how it was handled and stored after collection.

Accurate and thorough documentation helps ensure that the chain of custody is maintained, which is vital in forensic contexts. The chain of custody refers to the chronological documentation that tracks the handling of the evidence from the point of collection to its presentation in court. Any gaps or discrepancies in this documentation can undermine the reliability of the specimen in legal proceedings. Proper recording also helps in verifying the authenticity of the specimen and guards against potential contamination or tampering.

Thus, the importance of recording all details of handling is central to the forensic process, as it safeguards the validity of the evidence for legal scrutiny.