How many different key pieces of information are typically required on a Chain of Custody?

A Chain of Custody is a critical document in the field of environmental testing and forensic science, as it ensures the integrity of a sample from collection to analysis. Typically, a minimum of six key pieces of information are required on a Chain of Custody form.

These key pieces of information generally include:

1. Description of the sample(s) - This includes the type of sample and any identifiers.

2. The date and time of collection - This is crucial to establish when the sample was taken.
3. The location of collection - Knowing where the sample was collected can be important for various analytical reasons.
4. The name and signature of the person who collected the sample - This information helps to establish accountability.
5. The names and signatures of individuals handling the sample subsequently - This helps track the chain of custody across different parties.
6. Any special conditions or treatments that the sample might have undergone - This aspect can affect the sample's integrity or analysis.

Properly documenting these details helps maintain the admissibility of the evidence and ensures the reliability of the testing results, which is paramount in legal and environmental contexts. Thus, the requirement for six pieces of information reflects the rigorous standards needed in these fields.