Fluid secreted from salivary glands that aid in the process of digestion by contributing necessary enzymes that break down food and lubricate for chewing and swallowing. Forensic clinicians collect samples from areas on the body of reported, suspected, or potential oral contact (e.g., biting, licking, sucking, spitting).
The contents of this glossary is funded in part through a sub-award from RTI as the lead partner for the National Institute of Justice’s Forensic Technology Center of Excellence through a Cooperative Agreement from the National Institute of Justice (2011-DN-BX-K564 and 2016-MU-BK-K110), Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies and any services or tools provided).