1. (a) Biological evidence and materials should be collected, handled, and preserved in a manner that prevents contamination and degradation and ensures integrity during all phases of the investigation, pretrial, and post adjudication, including:

   1. (1) Packaging each item of biological evidence separately to prevent contamination;
   2. (2) Labeling, marking for identification, and sealing each package of evidence to preserve its chain-of-custody and to prevent cross contamination, loss, or deleterious change; and
   3. (3) Storing the evidence in climate controlled conditions in a facility, which provides security and limited access.
2. (b) During the trial phase, due diligence shall be exercised to protect biological evidence from cross contamination, loss, and deleterious change. If a courthouse has climate controlled facilities, those facilities should be used.

Source Note:The provisions of this §28.182 adopted to be effective March 13, 2013, 38 TexReg 1702.