What is the purpose of the chain of custody in drug testing?

The purpose of maintaining a chain of custody in drug testing is crucial for ensuring control and accountability of the specimen throughout the entire testing process. This procedure involves documenting every stage of the specimen's handling, from the time it is collected until the results are finalized. By adhering to this protocol, organizations can validate that the specimen has not been tampered with, contaminated, or altered in any way. The chain of custody provides a clear pathway that shows the specimen's journey, which is essential for legal proceedings and upholding the integrity of the drug testing process. This level of documentation ensures that the final results are trustworthy and can be confidently used in making decisions related to employment and safety in the workplace.