What is the reason for maintaining a chain of custody for samples sent to external labs?

• A. To label samples faster
• B. To speed up results
• C. To reduce costs
• D. To ensure traceability and avoid misidentification or tampering

Answer: (D)

Maintaining a chain of custody creates an unbroken, documented record of every person who handles the specimen, along with where it has been and when. This traceability is crucial so you can verify the sample’s identity at all times and quickly detect any tampering or mix-ups. When a sample goes to an external lab, this documented trail protects the integrity of the specimen and the reliability of the results, and it supports accountability, audits, and legal defensibility if needed. The goal isn’t speed, labeling convenience, or cost savings, but ensuring that the results truly reflect the correct sample and can be trusted at every step.