What is the term for maintaining control of a specimen from collection to testing?

The term that refers to maintaining control of a specimen from collection through to testing is known as chain of custody. This concept is particularly important in scenarios such as legal cases, drug testing, and clinical trials, where the integrity and authenticity of the specimen need to be preserved to ensure valid and reliable results.

The chain of custody involves a documented process that tracks the handling of the specimen at every stage, ensuring that it has not been tampered with or contaminated. Each individual who handles the specimen must sign it in and out, thus creating a comprehensive record that can verify the specimen's journey from collection to testing. This protocol is crucial for maintaining evidence in legal situations and for ensuring that test results can be trusted.

Other terms, while related to handling samples, do not capture the legal and procedural nuances associated with the term "chain of custody." Specimen control and sample integrity refer more broadly to maintaining quality during processing and storage but do not convey the meticulous tracking and accountability involved in chain of custody. Process management, while relevant in operational contexts, lacks the specific connotation of accountability that is essential when discussing the control and handling of specimens in sensitive situations.