Purpose
Chain of custody documents possession and handling of an evidentiary or legal specimen from collection through transfer, laboratory receipt, testing, storage and final disposition.
Key principles for chain of custody
Participant and specimen identification
Use unambiguous identifiers. For legal relationship testing, verify participant identity using the documentation required by the requesting authority and record the collector, date, time and specimen type.
Collection
Collect specimens using approved materials and procedures. Prevent cross-contamination, label immediately and document any deviation.
Sealing
Place specimens in appropriate packaging and use tamper-evident seals where required. The person sealing the package should document the action according to procedure.
Transfers
Every transfer should be traceable: who released the item, who received it, date/time, purpose and condition of the seal or packaging.
Laboratory accession
On receipt, reconcile identifiers, inspect packaging/seals, record discrepancies, assign a laboratory accession number and preserve the link between case identity and analytical samples.
Storage and retention
Store specimens and records under controlled conditions with restricted access. Retention and disposal should follow applicable law, court orders, accreditation requirements and laboratory policy.
Deviations
A broken seal, missing signature, labeling discrepancy or undocumented transfer should be recorded and evaluated. The impact on evidentiary integrity should be transparently reported rather than concealed.
Forensic/legal use note: This material is educational. Evidentiary admissibility, collection authority, consent and procedural requirements are jurisdiction- and case-specific. Follow applicable law, court directions and the requesting authority’s requirements.
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