What document is essential for tracking samples from collection to reporting?

The chain of custody document is essential for tracking samples from their collection through to the reporting of results. This document provides a comprehensive record that details every individual who handles the samples, the date and time of each transaction, and the conditions under which the samples were stored and transported. It ensures the integrity of the samples throughout the entire analytical process and confirms that the samples can be reliably linked to the results presented in the final report.

Maintaining a proper chain of custody is crucial, especially in regulatory and legal contexts, as it helps to prevent contamination, tampering, or mishandling of samples. Furthermore, it provides a clear audit trail that supports the validity of the analytical findings, which is particularly important in environments such as environmental monitoring and compliance testing.

In contrast, although the sample analysis report, quality control log, and laboratory procedures manual are important documents within the laboratory context, none serve the specific function of tracking the custody and handling of samples in the same way that the chain of custody does. The sample analysis report compiles findings, the quality control log tracks performance and controls, and the laboratory procedures manual outlines methods and protocols, but none of these functions replace the essential role of the chain of custody in ensuring sample integrity.