What is the importance of having formal chain-of-custody records?

Having formal chain-of-custody records is essential because they track the handling of samples from the moment they are collected all the way to their final analysis. This documentation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the samples and the reliability of the results obtained from them. Chain-of-custody records encompass details about who collected the samples, how they were stored, and where they were transported, which provides a transparent trail of accountability. This process helps to demonstrate that the samples have not been tampered with and ensures that all procedures were followed according to regulatory standards.

The accurate tracking of the sample's journey is vital for legal, regulatory, and scientific purposes, as it validates that the results derived from the samples are credible and defensible in court if necessary. Ultimately, this stringent documentation process builds trust in the findings and supports informed decision-making in environmental assessments, site investigations, and remediation efforts.