Chain of Custody for Legal DNA Testing

The term 'Chain of Custody' has nothing to do with children, but with control of the DNA sample. It relates to a Court Admissible DNA Test, and starts with the provision of the samples. A neutral third party, with no connection with nay of the individuals involved, is appointed to ensure the identity of the subjects and to collect their DNA samples. Identification papers have to be signed and they and the samples delivered to the appointed location for testing with provisions made to ensure that no tampering occurs. The samples then have to be tracked and documented through the testing procedure. Assuming that all of these procedures are followed to the letter, then the laboratory can issue notarized tests results that can be used in court. Also refer to our Legal DNA Testing section.