What does a chain-of-custody form provide in sample analysis?

A chain-of-custody form is crucial in sample analysis because it establishes the traceability of sample possession and handling. This means that the form details every individual who has handled the sample, as well as the specific time and location of each transfer or change in custody. This traceability is vital to ensure that the integrity of the sample is maintained throughout the analysis process. If questions arise about the sample's validity or potential contamination, the chain-of-custody documentation provides the necessary evidence to verify that the sample has not been tampered with and that proper procedures were followed.

In the context of sample analysis, knowing the origin of sample collection, access to testing results, and the storage location of samples is important, but they do not provide the comprehensive overview of control and accountability that a chain-of-custody form offers. The focus of the chain-of-custody is specifically on the custody and control of the sample, which is essential for the credibility of the analysis results.