Which statement best describes chain-of-custody for specimens?

• A. Chain-of-custody is only relevant when test results will be used in a court.
• B. Chain-of-custody is not necessary for routine lab tests.
• C. Chain-of-custody is the documented process that tracks the transfer and custody of a specimen, and is used only for certain tests.
• D. Chain-of-custody must be documented and maintained for specimens that require it, including time stamps and personnel involved.

Answer: (D)

Chain-of-custody is the documented process that tracks every transfer and custody of a specimen, with timestamps and the personnel involved. This creates a traceable history of the specimen from collection through handling, testing, and storage, ensuring its integrity and supporting the reliability of results. It's required for specimens that need this level of traceability—not every test requires it, but when a specimen falls into a category that demands accountability, the records must be maintained and include who handled it and when. This makes the process robust for potential audits or legal considerations and helps prevent mix-ups or tampering.