Which item is not typically included in the chain-of-custody documentation?

• A. Sample ID
• B. Condition shipped
• C. Date of last calibration
• D. Condition analyzed

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is that chain-of-custody documents are about proving who had the sample, when, and under what conditions to preserve its integrity from collection through analysis. Each entry supports traceability of the sample itself.

A Sample ID is essential because it links every record to the exact specimen, ensuring there’s no mix-up between samples. The condition shipped notes the state of the sample during transfer—whether it was sealed, preserved, or if temperature controls were maintained—which directly affects the sample’s integrity as it moves between handlers. The condition analyzed can also be part of the chain-of-custody narrative, indicating what happened to the sample in the lab and when it was subjected to testing, which helps track its processing status.

Date of last calibration, on the other hand, belongs to equipment quality assurance and maintenance records rather than the sample’s custody trail. Calibration details pertain to instrument readiness and data quality, not to who handled the sample or its transfer history. That’s why this item is not typically included in chain-of-custody documentation.