What is initiated for every sample or specimen collected?

The correct choice is the chain of custody, which is a crucial procedure in CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) reconnaissance operations. This process establishes a documented trail for each sample or specimen collected, detailing who collected it, where and when it was collected, and how it has been handled throughout the entire process. The purpose of maintaining a chain of custody is to ensure the integrity and reliability of the samples, particularly if they need to be used for legal or forensic purposes.

Establishing a chain of custody is vital to preserve the evidence and to provide a clear understanding of the sample’s journey from collection to analysis. This helps prevent contamination, tampering, or loss of integrity, which is essential in any investigative scenario, especially in CBRN incidents where the stakes can be particularly high.

While other processes, such as a sample log, quality assurance, and incident reports, play important roles in the overarching framework of CBRN operations, they do not specifically encompass the rigorous documentation and tracking that the chain of custody entails.