(a) Any forensic scientist, including, but not limited to, any criminalist, toxicologist, and forensic pathologist, or any other employee required to handle or perform DNA or other forensic evidence analysis within the scope of his or her duties, who comes into contact with blood or other bodily fluids on, upon, or through the skin or membranes of his or her person while handling or performing testing on forensic evidence, may petition, ex parte, the court having jurisdiction over the laboratory in which he or she works for an order authorized under this chapter. The employing agency, officer, or entity of the affected employee may also file an ex parte petition for an order authorized under this chapter. Before filing a petition, the requesting party shall make a reasonable effort to obtain the consent of the person whose blood or bodily fluids is to be tested.