What is chain of custody?

Chain of custody is a documented process ensuring a specimen's integrity is maintained from collection through lab receipt, used for legal, forensic, or drug testing purposes.

A complete chain of custody includes:

1. Donor identity verification (photo ID)

2. Observed collection (when required)

3. Tamper-evident sealing in the collector's presence

4. Completion of a COC form with all signatures

5. Secure transport with no breaks in custody

6. Lab receipt and documentation

Any break in the chain — an unsealed specimen, incomplete documentation, or unverified identity — can invalidate the specimen for legal or regulatory purposes.