Feces samples should be stored in which condition for long-term effectiveness?

Long-term storage of feces samples is best handled by freezing them. Freezing prevents the decomposition of organic material and preserves both the morphological and biochemical characteristics of the samples, which is crucial for accurate analysis in forensic investigations. This method halts enzymatic activity and microbial growth that might otherwise alter the sample’s composition over time.

Temperature-controlled and refrigerated options, while they may slow some degradation processes, are not as effective as freezing. These conditions cannot completely halt microbial activity, and there is still a risk of sample degradation over extended periods. Dried samples could potentially lose vital information and may not preserve the structural integrity required for forensic analysis. Therefore, freezing is the optimal method for maintaining the integrity of fecal samples in forensic settings over the long term.