Chain of Custody | DNA Testing Glossary
Chain of custody is the documented, unbroken record of who handled a DNA sample from the moment it was collected to the moment results are reported. This record is what makes a DNA test legally admissible in court. A proper chain of custody requires that a neutral third party (not a family member or interested party) witnesses the sample collection, verifies each participant's identity with a government-issued photo ID, photographs the participants, and seals and labels the samples in the witness's presence. Every person who handles the samples afterward signs a log. Without this documentation, a court has no way to verify that the tested samples actually came from the people named in the report.
Related Terms
Legal DNA Test, Home DNA Test, Buccal Swab, Reference Sample, AABB
