The best way to preserve potential evidence in a trauma victim's hands is to:

• A. Place hands in plastic bags and tie at elbow
• B. Wash hands and keep rinsed fluid in a sterile specimen container
• C. Cover hands with paper bags and tape at wrists
• D. Have law enforcement conduct examination

Answer: (C)

Preserving potential evidence on a trauma victim’s hands relies on protecting trace residues and preventing contamination. Placing the hands in a paper bag and securing at the wrists allows moisture to dry and any residues— powders, powders, gunshot residue, fibers— to be preserved for testing. Paper bags are breathable and help maintain the integrity of evidence during transport. Taping at the wrists keeps the hands contained and reduces the chance of altering or losing evidence. In contrast, plastic bags trap moisture and can degrade or wash away residues, while washing the hands would remove or contaminate trace evidence. Involvement of law enforcement is essential, but the act of bagging the hands is the specific step that best preserves evidence.