What does "chain of custody" refer to in the context of specimen handling?

In the context of specimen handling, "chain of custody" specifically refers to the detailed documentation that tracks everyone who handles a specimen from the moment it is collected until the analysis is complete and the results are reported. This documentation is crucial in maintaining the integrity and validity of the specimen throughout its lifecycle, particularly in legal cases or research settings where it is essential to establish trust in the handling process.

Maintaining a proper chain of custody ensures that any specimen can be traced through its various stages, including collection, transportation, analysis, and reporting. This is vital for preventing contamination, tampering, or mislabeling, ultimately safeguarding the results and conclusions drawn from the specimen testing.

Other elements mentioned, such as the time taken from collection to testing, the protocols for transporting specimens, and the testing procedures, while important for overall sample management and quality control, do not encompass the concept of chain of custody as comprehensively as the documentation does. They may influence the outcome but do not establish the responsible chain of ownership and handling that is the core of the chain of custody principle.