Specimen Collection Procedures & Chain of Custody Flashcards
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Read the first 7 Specimen Collection Procedures & Chain of Custody flashcards as text
A collector is obtaining a blood specimen for forensic analysis and must choose a skin antiseptic. Which antiseptic should be AVOIDED for blood alcohol collections?
Answer: Isopropyl alcohol (ethanol-based wipes)
Alcohol-based antiseptics can contaminate the venipuncture site and potentially elevate blood alcohol results, so non-alcohol antiseptics must be used for BAC draws.
Under chain-of-custody protocols, what should a collector do if a pre-printed label on the specimen does not match the information on the custody form?
Answer: Stop the collection and resolve the discrepancy before proceeding
A mismatch between the label and custody form is a critical error; the discrepancy must be resolved before collection to ensure the specimen's legal defensibility.
Which of the following is the correct definition of 'aliquot' in laboratory specimen handling?
Answer: A measured portion of a specimen transferred to a secondary container for testing
An aliquot is a representative portion transferred from the primary specimen container into secondary tubes for individual testing or storage.
When transporting a chain-of-custody urine specimen via courier to a laboratory, the specimen must be:
Answer: Packaged in a tamper-evident bag with a completed COC form inside
COC specimens must be sealed in tamper-evident packaging with the accompanying custody form so any breach of integrity is detectable upon receipt.
A forensic blood collection kit typically includes a non-alcohol swab because isopropyl alcohol used on the site could:
Answer: Artificially elevate ethanol levels detected in the specimen
Isopropyl alcohol residue at the venipuncture site can be absorbed and falsely elevate blood ethanol concentrations, compromising the accuracy of BAC results.
Which of the following best describes 'adulteration' of a urine specimen?
Answer: Adding a foreign substance to the specimen to interfere with testing
Adulteration involves intentionally adding a substance (such as bleach, vinegar, or commercial products) to the specimen to invalidate or mask drug test results.
In the chain-of-custody process, who is responsible for verifying the specimen's condition and seal when it is received at the laboratory?
Answer: The laboratory accessioner or receiving technician
The laboratory accessioner checks the tamper-evident seal, specimen condition, and COC form accuracy upon receipt and documents any discrepancies before testing begins.