Chain of Custody Procedure For Legal DNA Testing

A Legal or Court Admissible Test involves a chain of custody that ensures the integrity of the source of the samples taken. First an independent third party, normally a doctor, is appointed to take the samples after receiving indisputable evidence of identity of those providing the samples. Identity papers are then signed and transported with the samples to an accredited laboratory where they are properly logged in. The laboratory procedures and equipment calibration will normally be accredited by a standard such as ISO 17025, and will log and identify the samples all the way through the testing procedure.

If all of this is done properly, and the samples identified at each stage, then the test results can be notarized as admissible evidence in court. If not, then they are regarded as 'peace of mind' test results which, while no less accurate, cannot be used legally because the source of the samples cannot be proved.  If samples are taken at different addresses or in different countries, each will have to undergo this procedure.

Refer to our 'Legal DNA Testing' section for more information.