What information must match the Chain of Custody document exactly?

The Chain of Custody document is essential in maintaining the integrity and reliability of environmental samples. It serves as a legal and procedural record documenting who collected, handled, or analyzed the samples, making it crucial for ensuring that the evidence is admissible in court and that the results are valid.

The label on the samples must match the Chain of Custody document exactly because it contains identifiers that ensure the correct tracking of the samples throughout the entire process. This includes unique sample numbers, collection dates, times, and locations. If there is a discrepancy between the label and the Chain of Custody document, it raises questions about the authenticity and reliability of the sample, which could undermine the entire investigation. Accurate matching prevents confusion and potential contamination of the data, confirming that the results obtained refer to the right samples.

In contrast, while sample analysis results, shipping addresses, and inspector names are important, they do not need to match the Chain of Custody document in the same direct manner as the sample labels do. Analysis results can vary depending on multiple factors, shipping addresses may change for logistical reasons, and inspectors may have different tasks and could be substituted under specific conditions. Therefore, the strict requirement for label accuracy underscores its critical role in the chain of custody.