Microbial forensic specimens that are collected at biocrime and bioterrorism scenes include blood, tissue,
cloths containing biological fluids, swabs, water, soil, and aerosols. It is preferable that pathogens in such
specimens are alive and kept in a steady state. Specimens may be stored for a prolonged period before
analysis; therefore, it is important to understand the effect of the storage conditions on the pathogens
contained within the specimens.