What is the chain of custody protocol related to?

The chain of custody protocol is primarily concerned with maintaining sample integrity. This protocol ensures that samples collected for testing are handled, transported, and stored in a way that preserves their original state. It involves a documented process that tracks who has handled the samples, the time and location of each transfer, and the conditions under which they were maintained. This is crucial in environmental health and forensic science because any breaks in the chain can lead to questions about the authenticity and reliability of the data obtained from those samples.

Maintaining sample integrity is essential for accurate testing results. If the integrity is compromised, it could lead to inaccurate results, which could subsequently affect public health decisions and regulatory compliance. Thus, the chain of custody serves not only as a record-keeping tool but also as a vital component in ensuring that environmental samples are valid representations of the conditions being assessed.