Sample Chain of Custody
Rachel McCarthy, NEPDNAmanda Hodges, SPDNPlayers designed by Molly Swartwood, Cornell University
First Detectors
Garden Staff & VolunteersTrained First Detectors
Secondary Inspection
Extension Agents State Laboratories
Diagnostic Confirmation
Regional Laboratories• Five designated
laboratories throughout the US.
• Northeast Region- Cornell University
Federal Laboratories• APHIS PPQ NIS -
National Identification Service
• USDA ARS SEL CTSU- Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Communication and Taxonomic Services Unit
• APHIS PPQ CPHST- Center For Plant Health, Science and Technology
Communicating Results
State Plant Health Director (SPHD) & State Plant Regulatory Officials (SPRO)
Responsible for coordinating a response to the diagnosis and deciding how and when results are discussed between the involved parties.
• For routine samples all parties involved with sample submission are notified.
• However, if a sample is suspect to be and/or is confirmed to be positive for an organism of regulatory concern the State Plant Health Director and State Plant Regulatory Officials are notified of the results first.
Sample Chain of Custody & Communication