Chain of Custody (sometimes refered to as a COC) is a legal term that refers to the ability to guarantee the identity and integrity of the sample from collection through to reporting of the test results.

It is a process used to maintain and document the chronological history of the sample.     

 
* Note:  Documents should include name or initials of the individual collecting the sample, each person or entity subsequently having custody of it, the date the sample was collected or transferred, employer or agency, sample number, employee's name, and a brief description of the sample.