Prepare for the Indoor Air sciences CSMI Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Be well-equipped for the exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


Which of the following is NOT a function of the chain of custody form related to bioaerosols?

  1. Track mishandling

  2. Testing a lab's proficiency

  3. Qualifying laboratory results as evidence in legal cases

  4. Preventing tampering

The correct answer is: Testing a lab's proficiency

The chain of custody form plays a critical role in the handling and analysis of bioaerosol samples. It serves several key functions, and one of the significant roles it does not fulfill is assessing a lab's proficiency in conducting tests. When considering the importance of a chain of custody form, it primarily functions to ensure that the sample has been collected, handled, and analyzed in a manner that preserves its integrity from the moment of collection to the point of analysis. This includes tracking each individual who has interacted with the sample, which helps establish accountability and creates a clear record of the sample's history. Therefore, it serves to track mishandling and prevent tampering, ensuring that any results from the laboratory are valid and reliable for use in legal contexts. However, a chain of custody form does not itself evaluate or test a laboratory's proficiency. Proficiency testing involves separate procedures and evaluations such as inter-laboratory comparisons or accreditation processes that assess how well a laboratory can perform certain tests according to established standards. Thus, while proficiency is essential for ensuring reliable results, it is not a direct function of the chain of custody form.