provtagningskedja

provtagningskedja is the Swedish term for chain of custody, the documented sequence of custody, control, transfer, analysis, and disposition of evidence or samples. It ensures that material presented in legal, regulatory, or scientific contexts can be traced back to its original source, maintaining its integrity and reliability.

The chain of custody process begins with the collection of a sample or evidence item. Field personnel record the time, location, and circumstances of the collection, label the item with a unique identifier, and place it in a tamper‑evident container. A receipt is signed by the collector and by the person receiving the sample, establishing an initial transfer. In the laboratory or storage facility, the item is logged into a database, stored under controlled conditions, and any subsequent handling—including analytical testing—requires a written record. Each transfer, alteration, or destruction of the item is documented with the name of the person involved, the date, the purpose, and any relevant notes.

Maintaining a robust chain of custody is critical because any breach can raise questions about the authenticity or integrity of the material, potentially rendering it inadmissible in court. Legal systems such as Sweden’s Evidence Act and the European Union’s regulations on forensic evidence require meticulous documentation, while the United States manages chain‑of‑custody procedures under the Federal Rules of Evidence and various state statutes. Digital evidence also follows a chain of custody protocol, ensuring that electronic files are securely backed up, logged, and accessed only by authorized personnel.

In sum, provtagningskedja is a foundational procedure in forensic science, legal proceedings, auditing, and research, providing a transparent record that protects the validity and reliability of evidence from collection to conclusion.