security and CONFIDENTIALITY

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the analyses performed at LabCorp, strict security procedures have been developed and instituted at the laboratory to maintain security and limited access to samples and the data files.  For example, the entire facility is monitored by an electronic key card system that controls access to the building and to individual locations within the building.  Thus, individual employees only have the ability to enter their specified work locations during the time period consistent with their normal shift hours.  The computer system maintains a record of all individual movements within the controlled portions of the building.  Any unauthorized personnel or visitors are required to sign in and out of the various areas and have to be escorted by an authorized employee.

In addition to the physical security of the laboratory, the computer system was designed to protect the access and confidentiality of the database.  Only designated employees may gain access to the computer system through a combination of their name and private password.  Once an individual logs onto the computer, they have access only to designated areas of the system.  For example, if an individual is assigned to the sample receiving area, they use the transactions designed for that area, but do not have access to the quality control or reporting functions of the system.  There is also an audit trail kept on the system for each transaction that occurs.

Another major security feature is the confidentiality of the sample being processed.  Once the sample identifying information is linked with our unique internal number, which is also the form number from the chain-of-custody form, the sample is tracked only by this assigned number.

Our chain-of-custody procedures, including limited-access storage areas are also important to the security of the sample.  If a sample is not in someone’s immediate possession, it is secured in a controlled access room.  Once the sample has been completed, the original specimen container is secured in a locked freezer.  The computer system has a record of every sample’s location in that freezer and it can be easily retrieved, if needed.