July 26, 2002
Montana DOJ Forensic Science Division rule on collection of biological samples for DNA analysis. A buccal swab is collected by the appropriate law enforcement agency, corrections facility or other statutorily authorized agency; a blood sample by a physician, registered nurse, licensed practical or vocational nurse, licensed clinical laboratory technologist or other trained health care worker. The Division supplies a reasonable quantity of collection kits at no cost, each containing a biohazard-marked mailing envelope, gloves, evidence tape, a shipping seal, a collection card with swab envelope, two cotton swabs, an absorbent pad and instructions. If the Division kit is not used, the agency must package the sample per USPS Domestic Mail Manual section CO 23.10.4. The collector seals and marks the container with the contributor's name and social security number.