Most environmental sampling protocols require samples to arrive at the lab chilled to 4°C (±2°C). The coolerTempC field on a ChainOfCustody stores the actual measured temperature at receipt, which the lab logs on their sample receipt form. If coolerTempC falls outside the acceptable range, the samples may be flagged or rejected, and the receiptCondition and receiptNotes fields should document the deviation. This value is essential evidence that the cold chain was maintained.
Technical section
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