ASTM E2123-20 - 1.9.2020
 
Significance and Use

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

 
1. Scope

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

1.2?This standard cannot replace knowledge, skills, or abilities acquired through education, training, and experience (see Practice E2917, Education and Training) and is to be used in conjunction with professional judgement by individuals with such discipline-specific knowledge, skills, and abilities.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

The Biological Evidence Preservation Handbook: Best Practices for Evidence Handlers

E2057-23

Standard Specifications for Preparation of Laboratory Analysis Requests in Sexual Violence Investigations

E1843-20

Standard Guide for Sexual Violence Investigation, Examination, and Evidence Collection Protocol

E1732-25e1

Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science (Includes all amendments and changes 10/27/2025).

E1459-24

Standard Practice for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related Documentation

E1492-25

Standard Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and Retrieving Evidence by a Forensic Service Provider