What does the term "chain of custody" refer to?

The term "chain of custody" refers to a comprehensive record that tracks every individual who has access to a specific sample throughout its lifecycle. This is crucial in various fields, particularly in environmental testing, forensic science, and legal contexts, where maintaining the integrity and authenticity of a sample is paramount. The chain of custody ensures that the sample remains untampered and can be reliably traced back to its original source. This is vital for the credibility of the results generated from the sample, as any break in the chain could compromise the evidence or data derived from it.

In contrast, documentation of sample preparation focuses specifically on the steps taken to prepare the sample for analysis, while a log of sample dispatch times is more about tracking when samples are sent out rather than who had access to them. A report on sample analysis results provides information about the outcomes of testing but does not relate to the handling and accountability of the sample itself. Therefore, the correct understanding of "chain of custody" emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in sample management.