How should clothing showing evidence of gunpowder residue be submitted to the laboratory?

Submitting clothing that shows evidence of gunpowder residue requires careful handling to preserve the integrity of the evidence. When clothing is placed in a clean paper wrap and folded sparingly, it minimizes the risk of damaging or contaminating the evidence. Paper is preferred over plastic because it allows for air circulation, which helps prevent moisture accumulation that could degrade the residue.

Handling the clothing in this manner also ensures that the samples remain intact for proper testing. Gunpowder residues are delicate and can be easily lost or altered through improper packaging. Using clean paper wrap minimizes any potential contamination from other sources and helps to maintain a sterile environment for the evidence during transport to the laboratory. This method is aligned with standard procedures in forensic evidence collection and handling.