Who should sign the documentation for a forensic specimen according to chain of custody protocol?

The correct answer regarding who should sign the documentation for a forensic specimen according to chain of custody protocol is that all personnel who come in contact with the specimen must sign. This practice is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the specimen and ensuring that there's a complete and accurate record of handling. Chain of custody documentation serves as a legal safeguard, demonstrating that the specimen has been handled appropriately at every stage of its collection, storage, and testing.

Ensuring that all individuals involved in the process sign the documentation helps prevent contamination or tampering. It also provides accountability, as each person's signature reflects their responsibility for the specimen during their interaction with it. This thorough approach is essential in forensic settings, where the outcomes can have significant legal implications.

In contrast, limiting the signing to just the medical assistant, the patient, or only the employer would create gaps in accountability and risk compromising the integrity of the evidence.