Which method is appropriate for preserving liquid fire scene samples?

Using clean, sterile instruments is vital for preserving liquid fire scene samples due to the need to maintain the integrity and purity of the evidence. When collecting samples from a fire scene, it is crucial to avoid contamination that could compromise the analysis of potential accelerants or other relevant substances. Clean, sterile tools minimize the risk of introducing foreign materials or substances that could alter test results.

Maintaining a sterile collection environment ensures that the samples remain as close to their original state as possible, which is essential for accurate forensic analysis. This practice is a standard protocol in evidence collection, particularly in sensitive environments like fire scenes, where the evidence can be critical to investigations.

Other methods, such as allowing evaporation, mixing with soil samples, or leaving samples open to air, would either remove or alter the original liquid evidence, leading to potential loss of key information needed for a thorough investigation.