only professionally trained experts should handle forensic information. Professional investigators will have the required equipment and expertise to properly collect, label and preserve any samples of bodily fluids (such as blood or semen), hair, fibers and threads that may be found. They can also collect and preserve objects that could have been used to carry out the crime. If possible, professional investigators will also lift and preserve any fingerprints. 111 Only people with the appropriate training, expertise and resources should handle such samples or objects. Mishandling such information may in fact prevent experts from being able to use it. Unofficial investigators may assist by taking an inventory of the clothing of the victim. Clothing may be the source of significant information for investigators as it may have entrapped fibers, hair and skin. It may also have absorbed blood and other bodily fluids, which can contribute to reconstructing the events that led to the injuries sustained and provide samples of DNA that may help identify the perpetrator(s). When providing necessary medical assistance, it might be necessary to remove clothing from a victim. If this was the case, clothing should be removed item by item and folded minimally. Clothing should not be shaken or placed on the floor. Shaking clothing potentially leads to information being lost, while placing clothing on the floor may contaminate it. In case it is necessary to cut clothing so that it can be removed, try to cut as far away from the point of damage or other signs that may contain relevant information as possible. In many cases the most practical and efficient way to do this will be to cut along the seams of the clothing. Once removed, clothing should be placed into a plastic or paper bag. 112 Always obtain informed consent when collecting pieces of clothing that belongs to the victim. 111 United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Manual on the Effective Investigation and Documentation of Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment ("Istanbul Protocol"), para. 103, HR/P/PT/8/Rev.1 (2004), available a http://www.ohchr.org/documents/publications/training8rev1en.pdf 112 David Johnson, Forensic Evidence Preservation: The Emergency Nurses’ Role 1(2) Australian Emergency Nursing Journal 37, 38 (1997). 85