This App is to initially field generate a PDF chain of custody (COC) in the industrial hygiene, hazardous environmental consulting businesses and police forensic services. The user enters the data into the App data fields out in the field while collecting samples. When finished collecting samples a PDF version and CSV file of the COC is generated and emailed to the laboratory and the user. The laboratory can import the data into their system to minimize data entry and eliminate data entry mistakes. A note of a transaction taking place is sent to the App database to keep count of the number of COC’s sent to each lab. The listed labs in the App are added or deleted by Interactive COC along with their fields of testing in the database. There will be 5 different COC versions available within this App all using the same main data points with a slight variation of the presented COC in PDF and entry.
Each and every sample that is collected in the environmental industry must be documented on a paper COC. Field personnel take, for example, an asbestos bulk sample, place it in a plastic bag, label it with a number and document that sample number, location and description on the COC as well as take a picture of that sample next to where it was taken. The client name, address, phone number, and email along with the site location is also added to the COC. There is also information on the COC which laboratory it will be sent to, what type of analysis (field of testing [FOT]) is required, the turnaround time and any other special instructions.
It has been my intent to create this app to benefit both the collector of the samples (type written electronic rather than hand written) and the laboratory whereby they do not have to re-type the collected samples and/or make mistakes trying to read the hand written COC. It also gives the laboratory a little lead-time to allocate their resources to get ready for analysis that typically arrive by the next day.