What is the chain-of-custody procedure?

The chain-of-custody procedure refers to a systematic process that ensures the integrity of samples from the moment they are collected until they are analyzed. This procedure is critical in asbestos air monitoring and other environmental testing, as it provides a clear record of who collected the sample, when and where it was collected, and how it has been handled throughout its lifecycle.

Maintaining a chain of custody helps to prevent contamination, tampering, or loss of samples, which could compromise the accuracy and reliability of the analysis results. Documentation is a key part of this procedure, detailing each individual's responsibility and each change of possession, ensuring that the samples remain secure and their authenticity is verified.

This rigorous tracking mechanism assists in maintaining the validity of findings, especially in legal contexts, where the credibility of data can significantly impact decisions. The focus is primarily on tracking the sample throughout its handling, making this option the best representation of what chain-of-custody procedures entail.