Practice Test Geeks(ETC) Evidence Technician Certification Practice Test
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ETC Biological & DNA Evidence Flashcards

6 cards from real ETC practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 ETC Biological & DNA Evidence flashcards as text

  1. What is the purpose of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS)?

    Answer: A national database that stores DNA profiles to link crime scene evidence to known offenders or unsolved cases

    CODIS is the FBI-managed national DNA database that contains profiles from convicted offenders, arrestees, and forensic unknowns, enabling matches between crime scenes and known individuals.

  2. When collecting a buccal swab (DNA reference sample) from a suspect, which area of the mouth is swabbed?

    Answer: The inner cheek (buccal mucosa) using a firm rotational swabbing motion

    Buccal swabs collect epithelial cells from the inner cheek (buccal mucosa), providing a clean reference DNA sample; multiple swabs from both cheeks may be collected.

  3. Bloodstain pattern analysis (BPA) can help investigators determine which of the following?

    Answer: The direction, speed, and origin of blood shed at the crime scene

    BPA examines the size, shape, distribution, and directionality of bloodstains to reconstruct the events that produced them, including point of origin and movement.

  4. What type of bloodstain results from blood dripping into existing blood at a lower velocity?

    Answer: Satellite spatter pattern with secondary droplets around the primary stain

    When blood drips into pooled blood, secondary satellite droplets are produced around the primary stain, indicating blood dripping at low velocity onto a wet surface.

  5. Which biological sample from a suspect provides the longest window for detecting alcohol consumption?

    Answer: Hair (EtG in hair — up to 90 days)

    Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) incorporated into hair can detect alcohol consumption for up to 90 days, far exceeding blood, urine, or saliva windows.

  6. What is luminescence testing used for in biological evidence processing?

    Answer: To detect latent bloodstains or other biological fluids that are not visible to the naked eye

    Alternate light sources and luminescent reagents like luminol reveal blood and other biological fluids that have been cleaned or diluted, making invisible stains visible for collection.