Is the chain of custody included in a quality assurance program?

The inclusion of chain of custody in a quality assurance program is crucial due to the necessity of maintaining the integrity of samples throughout the measurement process. The chain of custody ensures that all samples are tracked from acquisition through analysis, thereby establishing a transparent record of handling and ensuring the credibility of the data collected.

Chain of custody documentation is essential in providing assurance that the samples have not been tampered with or altered and that they represent true conditions. This is particularly vital in radon measurement, where accurate results are necessary for assessing health risks related to radon exposure.

In a comprehensive quality assurance program, the chain of custody should be clearly outlined to ensure all protocols are followed, allowing for reliable and defensible data reporting. By not including this aspect, the quality assurance program would lack a key component that supports valid, accurate, and dependable results. Thus, the correct response highlights the importance of the chain of custody as an integral part of a thorough quality assurance program.