What information must appear on a collected sample to ensure traceability?

• A. Date, Time, Location, Parameter and Sampler's name
• B. Date and Time only
• C. Sampler's name
• D. Location and Parameter

Answer: (C)

Traceability hinges on being able to connect a sample to the exact person who collected it, when and where it was collected, and what was collected. The name of the sampler provides the direct link to the individual responsible for the collection, which is a fundamental piece of accountability and traceability. Without identifying who collected the sample, you’d have a gap in the chain of custody that can be critical if questions arise about how the sample was handled or any potential biases in collection.

That said, in practical practice you’d normally include additional details—date and time to place the sample in a precise timeline, location to know where it came from, and the parameter or analyte to indicate what was being measured. A complete label often also carries a unique sample ID and preservation information. So while the sampler’s name is the essential identifier for who collected it, full traceability is achieved when it’s paired with date, time, location, and parameter.