What does the acronym COC refer to in the context of sampling handles?

In the context of sampling handles, the acronym COC stands for Chain of Custody. This term is crucial in environmental and health-related assessments because it refers to the process that ensures the integrity of samples collected for testing, particularly in scenarios where mold or other contaminants are involved. Maintaining a proper chain of custody means that samples are consistently tracked, recorded, and protected from tampering or contamination from the moment they are collected until they are analyzed in a laboratory.

The chain of custody documentation provides a clear history of the sample, detailing who collected it, when and how it was collected, and who handled it afterward. This is important for ensuring the validity of test results, as any break in the chain can lead to questions about the reliability of the findings. Without a robust chain of custody, the credibility of the sampling process can be compromised, which could impact health assessments or legal cases related to mold exposure.

Understanding this concept is essential for mold assessors and related professionals, as it underlines their responsibility in ensuring the accuracy and trustworthiness of their findings by safeguarding these critical samples throughout the assessment process.