11.2.2 The Analysis Worksheet

The analyst needs to record observations, actions, and conclusions in a uniform manner; in many analytical labs, this is done in a laboratory notebook assigned to each laboratory staff member. Though notebooks are assigned to each laboratory staff member in this lab, the day-to-day work is recorded on a worksheet that becomes part of the laboratory file for each numbered piece of evidence (evidence is assigned lab numbers by the evidence room staff). The worksheet is divided into several sections:

• Header: This section is for information to administratively identify the evidence. Such information includes the lab number, case number, investigating officer, the date the evidence is opened, etc. This information links the paperwork to the actual evidence.
• Description of Evidence: The description of the actual evidence is placed in this section; this includes weight, dosage units, packaging, etc. Too much detail (that would render the description confusing) should be avoided. The evidence is identified by case numbers, lab numbers, etc, not the description. An attempt to distinguish the object(s) from all others in the universe is not necessary.
• Description of Analysis: This is where the analyst records what is done to identify the submitted samples as well as what is observed and the conclusions drawn. This is recorded on the back of the work sheet. Note that one does not need to record instrument parameters, etc. that are recorded in the instrument logs; the same information does not need to be recorded in multiple locations.
  
  This section should also have a record of any changes to the physical appearance of the evidence. For example, if 20 blue tablets were submitted, and one was broken in half for testing, only 19 $\frac{1}{2}$ tablets remain. One should record that one half tablet was removed and consumed in testing.
• Summary of Findings: The summary section includes the ultimate conclusions: what chemical compounds were found and quantitative information if such an analysis was performed, etc.
• Disposition of Evidence: The analyst should record what was done with the evidence upon completion of the testing.