Chain of Custody Basics
Continuing Education Credits
Objectives
- Define chain of custody and explain why it is necessary in laboratory testing.
- Identify situations that require strict chain of custody procedures.
- Describe the essential steps involved in maintaining specimen custody and documentation.
- Recognize common errors that can compromise specimen integrity and legal validity.
Course Outline
- Chain of Custody Basics
- Introduction
- What Is Chain of Custody (CoC)?
- When Is Chain of Custody (CoC) Required?
- Key Elements of CoC: 1. Positive Donor Identification
- Key Elements of CoC: 2. Specimen Collection Documentation
- Key Elements of CoC: 3. Tamper-Evident Labeling and Sealing
- Key Elements of CoC: 4. Controlled Transfer of Specimens
- Key Elements of CoC: 5. Secure Storage and Transport
- Role of the Phlebotomist or Collector
- Common Chain of Custody Errors
- Key Takeaways
- References
- References
- References

