LIsa Black
Cape Coral, FL
Female, 49
I spent the five happiest years of my life in a morgue. As a forensic scientist in the Cleveland coroner’s office I analyzed gunshot residue on hands and clothing, hairs, fibers, paint, glass, DNA, blood and many other forms of trace evidence, as well as crime scenes. Now I'm a certified latent print examiner and CSI for a police department in Florida. I also write a series of forensic suspense novels, turning the day job into fiction. My books have been translated into six languages.
Yes, absolutely. Blood samples can last decades if stored properly. The most important thing is that they’re dried thoroughly right away so there’s no decomposition. After that, they need to be kept away from UV light and at a steady temperature, the lower the better. Frozen is good, or at least refrigerated, but they can even stay at room temperature as long as it doesn’t get too hot or humid.
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That’s a tough question. If you want to work crime scenes, then the cs tech major might be better. If you want to work in the lab, it might not be very important. I would advise you to call the forensic units at the agencies you’d like to apply to and ask their opinion. With either degree, they may more likely place more emphasis on whether the courses had a lot of hands-on experience, if you have any work experience in the field, labs, internships, etc. That’s how my agency would feel.
Best of luck to you!
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I suppose anything’s possible, but it depends on how well a dried stain is going to transfer to anything. usually a dense, dried liquid simply flakes off a surface. Someone could try wetting the rag but I honestly don’t know how well that would work or if at all. Also, whoever is collecting any evidence off that child would have to swab that exact spot. So I can’t say it’s impossible but I would guess it’s unlikely to work. Hope that helps!
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I am an expert in some areas of forensic science. I am not an expert in law, public safety policy or our political system.
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Antiques Dealer
If you buy an item that turns out to be stolen, do you have to turn it over to the police?
TV Meteorologist
Is having a weatherman really better than just throwing to a 5-day forecast screen?
Starbucks Barista
What's the craziest behind-the-scenes Starbucks story you have?
I’m sorry but I have absolutely no idea. I have never worked in toxicology. Though my coworker did have to research testing for bleach in one of our cases, I will ask her when I get back to work next week.
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No. That’s the actress Lisa Hartman Black.
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Probably the most raw was a small plane crash.
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