Certified Medical Assistant (CMA AAMA)Procedures, Examinations and DiagnosticsHard
A medical assistant is collecting a urine specimen from a patient for a workplace drug screening test. Which action is essential to maintain the chain of custody for this specimen?
- AStore the specimen at room temperature for up to 72 hours before testing
- BLabel the specimen only with the patient's initials to protect confidentiality
- CHave the patient and collector sign and date a chain-of-custody form documenting each transfer of the specimen
- DAllow the patient to collect the specimen in private without observation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Have the patient and collector sign and date a chain-of-custody form documenting each transfer of the specimen
Chain of custody requires documented, signed proof of specimen handling from collection through testing to ensure legal defensibility and prevent tampering. Every person who handles the specimen must sign and date the form at each transfer point.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Storage duration is a specimen stability issue, not a chain-of-custody requirement.
- B. Full identification, not just initials, is required for legally defensible specimen labeling.
- D. Privacy during collection may still be maintained, but this does not address custody documentation.
Chain of Custody
A documented process that tracks the handling, transfer, and storage of a specimen from collection to final disposition, ensuring legal accountability, often used in forensic or workplace drug testing.
- Requires signatures and dates at each transfer
- Ensures specimen has not been tampered with
- Common for legal/forensic and employment drug testing
Memory trick: Every hand that touches it signs the chain.