A SAMPLE LIFTING TAPE AND A METHOD FOR FORENSIC SAMPLING OF SURFACES

摘要

A method for the collection of a sample from an area, for example for forensic examination, comprises the steps of applying to the area a collection sheet (1) with an adhesive collecting surface (4) so that the adhesive collecting surface collects a sample (5) from the area, and subsequently covering the adhesive collecting surface with a backing medium (8) which is attached to the collection sheet so as to protect the collected sample. To reduce the risk of contamination, the collection sheet is provided with a border region (7) around the adhesive-collecting surface, the border region being non-adhesive during sample collection. This may be achieved by having a masking sheet over the adhesive surface of the collection sheet (1), divided into a border portion (2) and a central portion (3). Before use, the central portion (3) is removed to expose the adhesive collection surface (4). Once sample collection has been completed, the border portion (2) is removed, exposing the adhesive border region. The backing medium (8) can then be adhered to the sample collection and border regions.