In medical logistics, maintaining the chain of custody is critical. When in route, samples move and switch couriers constantly before reaching the final destination. Your medical courier must maintain a detailed and accurate chain of custody form.
The Stat Experts team follows a detailed process to ensure the chain of custody form is accurate and reliable. Why?
Our team always aims to give you 100% transparency. If you need to know where your sample is or who has it, we will always know.
Our experienced team pays great attention to detail and is completely transparent with you. Our chain of custody form keeps you in the loop while keeping us on track of where the trip is and where it is going.
With our 24/7 service, we want to give you the flexibility to check in and know what is happening with your samples.
What Is a Chain of Custody Form?
A chain of custody form is an essential document used in the medical logistics industry to track the movement of samples, specimens, or materials. The form aims to track shipments from collection to the laboratory for analysis. Most importantly, the form aims to prevent contamination, loss, or damage to the samples while protecting the test results’ integrity.
The chain of custody form records each person who has handled a drug or alcohol specimen.
In the medical logistics industry, a custody and control form is crucial in maintaining the quality of the samples and ensuring that the results of the tests are reliable. The form provides a record of the individuals who have handled the samples.
What Is on a Chain of Custody Form?
A chain of custody form contains several components, including:
- Sample identification
- Transportation information
- Receiving information
- Signature
Sample Identification
Sample identification focuses on the name of the person who collected the sample, the date and time of collection, and a description of the sample (including its type, size, and weight).
Transportation Information
Transportation information includes the name of the person who transported the sample, the date and time of transportation, and the method of transportation, such as by courier, mail, or personal delivery.
Receiving Information
This portion of the form includes the name of the person who received the sample, the date and time of receipt, and a description of the condition of the sample upon receipt.
Signature
Finally, each form section needs a signature by the person responsible for the relevant action — the collection, transportation, or receipt.
The signatures provide evidence of the chain of custody of the samples and ensure that each person who has handled the samples has acknowledged their role.
Why Is the Chain of Custody Form Important?
The chain of custody form plays an essential role in the medical logistics industry in order to maintain accuracy and reliability and for legal reasons.
Documenting where a package goes and who handles it for tracking packages is crucial. If a sample is lost or misplaced, logistics providers like us at Stat Experts can track it down and locate it.
Accuracy and Reliability
The chain of custody form helps ensure the test results’ accuracy and reliability. It provides a clear and comprehensive record of the handling of the samples, including the following:
- Who collected them
- Who transported them
- Who received them
This information is crucial if there is a dispute over the accuracy of the test results, as it provides evidence of the chain of custody of the samples.
Legality
In addition, a chain of custody form is crucial because it may be needed in a legal proceeding like a court case. The form provides evidence that the samples have been handled and transported consistently with best practices and industry standards.
As a result, this helps to ensure that the results of the tests are admissible in court and that the samples have not been compromised in any way.
To stay on top of things and be able to respond quickly, we use different technologies and advancements to maintain our records. For example, if a legal case needs a form, we can send it over in an “electronic evidence” form to get court evidence faster.
Stat Experts Chain of Custody Form
When we use a chain of custody form, we ensure that the form is properly completed and that it includes all of the relevant information about the samples, including:
- The date and time of collection
- The method of transportation
- The names of the individuals who have handled the samples
The form is also signed by each person who handles the samples and is kept in a secure location to ensure that the information it contains is protected.
Contact Stat Experts Today
Medical logistics can feel overwhelming at times. However, at Stat Experts, we operate 24/7, so we can always be there for you. If you want to learn more about us and our services, contact us to connect with a team member today!
