By following proper chain-of-custody procedures for samples and data, their legal integrity can be proven, if necessary. At every stage, as samples and data move through the chain of custody, documentation follows what is exchanging hands, who is responsible for having custody, and where the samples and data are located.
EPA Chain of Custody Procedures Chart
This involves
- proper data acquisition,
- identification,
- processing and
- recordkeeping;
This involves - proper sampling preparation,
- operation,
- transport;
- receipt;
- storage;
- transfer,
- analysis and
- recordkeeping.