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It
is LabCorp’s standard operating procedure that the individuals directly
responsible for all sample receipt, preparation and analysis document their
actions with their signature on all appropriate worksheets or data
reports. Upon receipt of specimens, LabCorp occupational testing services
continues documentation of the chain-of-custody on the original document
received. This document is used for data entry and is then secured in a
file, thereby protecting the confidentiality of the individual being
tested.
An
important element of the chain-of-custody process is physical sample
control. Samples pending analysis are kept in secured refrigerated areas
with access limited to appropriate personnel. After completion of
testing, all positive samples are frozen at -20 degrees centigrade and
maintained under LabCorp occupational testing services chain-of-custody for a
period of one year in the original bottle. This service provides for the
availability of the original sample in the event of legal challenge.
The
Receiving Section functions as the entrance point for specimens arriving at the
laboratory for analysis. Samples are received under strict chain of
custody which begins when the Receiving Clerk signs to show proof of receipt of
the sample from the overnight express service or LabCorp courier service.
Each incoming specimen is inspected thoroughly for adherence to field
collection protocol, properly completed chain-of-custody form, any evidence of
tampering with the package bottle, and sufficient sample volume. Sample
bottle identifier is verified against the chain-of custody form.
Receivers
open individual specimen bags one at time and remove the bottle and
chain-of-custody (COC) form. The package, bottle, and COC forms are
inspected. Barcode scanning equipment is used to verify the sample
ID. The Receiver completes the COC form. The barcode number on the chain
of custody form and bottle seal functions as the unique accession/specimen
number.
A
portion of the specimen is removed, an aliquot, at the aliquoting station in
the Receiving area following receiving and accessioning the sample. One
at a time, the specimen bottle seal is scanned to generate copies of the
barcode that are placed on the screening tubes and bottle caps. The
bottle seal is broken one bottle at a time and an aliquot is poured into a
tube. The handling of the aliquots is documented on a chain of custody form and
transferred to the Screening laboratory staff for analysis.
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