What is the goal of collecting CBRN samples?

• A. Collect a series of samples of suspected CBRN agents or materials that represent the original source, thus permitting CBRN incident analysis
• B. Quick disposal
• C. Collect a single sample
• D. Degrade the sample

Answer: (A)

The goal is to preserve evidence and enable analysis by collecting multiple representative samples from the suspected source. CBRN sampling aims to capture the variability of the material as it exists in the real scene, since agents or materials can disperse, degrade, or contaminate surrounding areas. A series of samples from the source and related environments provides enough information for accurate characterization, understanding how the incident unfolded, and supporting any attribution or incident reconstruction. Quick disposal would erase valuable evidence, and collecting only a single sample risks missing critical variability or context. Degrading the sample would compromise analysis, so the emphasis is on gathering a set of representative samples to permit thorough CBRN incident analysis.