A medical assistant is processing blood samples obtained for DNA analysis and paternity testing. What information must they include on the document to maintain the chain of custody?

Maintaining the chain of custody is crucial in legal and medical contexts, particularly in situations involving DNA analysis and paternity testing. This process ensures that the sample is securely handled and its integrity is preserved from the moment it is collected until it is analyzed and results are reported. Including the initials of the person transporting the specimen is vital in this procedure, as it identifies who is responsible for the sample at each stage of its journey. This helps create a transparent and traceable record of handling, which can be critical in legal scenarios where the results may be contested. Tracking the individuals involved in transporting the specimen prevents any claims of tampering or mishandling.

The time of collection, location of the collection, and purpose of the test may be important for other aspects of the documentation process, such as ensuring proper sample handling and contextualizing the test results. However, they do not have the same significance in terms of establishing and maintaining the chain of custody as the initials of the individual transporting the specimen do. Proper documentation of transport accountability is central to ensuring that the sample has not been compromised prior to testing.