What is Interactive COC?
Interactive COC is a mobile app that allows consultants to create a clean, typed Chain of Custody (COC) directly from their phone and send it to the laboratory as a PDF with structured data.
The goal is simple: eliminate handwritten COCs and make laboratory submissions faster, clearer, and easier to process.
Who is this app designed for?
Interactive COC is designed for:
- Environmental consultants
• Industrial hygienists
• Field technicians
• Project Foremen
• Anyone who collects samples and submits them to a laboratory
If you regularly fill out Chain of Custody forms, the app is built for you.
Does the laboratory need to install anything?
No.
The laboratory receives the COC the same way they do today — by email.
Interactive COC simply sends a clean PDF COC along with structured data that can assist with laboratory entry.
There is:
- No integration
• No LIMS access
• No software required by the lab
Does the lab have to pay anything?
No.
The lab is not charged.
The user sending the submission pays a small per-submission fee inside the app.
Why not just keep using handwritten COCs?
Handwritten COCs create problems for both consultants, field personnel and laboratories:
- Illegible handwriting
• Missing information
• Calculation errors
• Slower lab intake
• Re-entry of handwritten data
Interactive COC standardizes the information and sends a clean typed document to the lab.
Does the app calculate sample volumes?
Yes.
The app automatically calculates:
- Sampling minutes
• Total volume
It also correctly handles overnight sampling scenarios where the start and stop times cross midnight and/or multiple days.
For example:
8:00 PM → 4:00 AM calculations work correctly.
Can the app handle night shifts or multi-day projects?
Yes.
Individual samples can include date-specific information. For multi-day projects, users can set the collection date to the day the COC is submitted while individual samples still reflect the correct collection timing.
What about field blanks, box blanks, or other blanks?
Blanks are supported.
Because blanks appear in the same table as active samples, the columns remain visible. Blank rows are shaded so it is clear that no sampling parameters apply.
Can the app track multiple custody transfers?
Yes.
The app supports multi-line relinquish and receive sections.
For example:
Supervisor → driver
Driver → office
Office → laboratory
The form expands automatically when additional custody transfers occur.
Can I record equipment such as rotameters?
The core purpose of the app is to send clear sample information to the laboratory.
Because most labs do not use rotameter numbers in their calculations, they are not included as a standard field to keep the form clean.
If needed, this information can be included in the Lab Instructions section.
Can the interface be shown in Spanish?
Yes.
A future update will allow the app interface to display in Spanish and other languages while still generating the final COC for the laboratory in the required language.
User-entered data will always remain exactly as entered to prevent unwanted autocorrect changes.
Does the app prevent using the wrong COC format?
Yes.
Before sample entry begins, the user must select:
- Laboratory
• Type of Analysis
• Turnaround time
• Sample handling requirements
This ensures the correct COC structure is used for the selected analysis.
Will this replace the laboratory’s electronic systems?
No.
Interactive COC works alongside existing systems.
It simply standardizes the information coming from the field so labs receive clear, consistent submissions.
Why use Interactive COC instead of scanning a paper form?
Scanning still requires someone to:
- Handwrite the form
• Check calculations
• Scan or photograph the document
• Email it to the lab
Interactive COC eliminates those steps and produces a clean digital COC immediately.
Does the app work for different types of analyses?
Yes.
The app supports multiple Chain of Custody formats and testing types. The user selects the type of analysis first, and the appropriate form is generated automatically.
Will my company need training to use it?
No.
The app was designed so anybody can learn it in minutes.
Most users can create their first COC in less time than it takes to handwrite one.
Why was Interactive COC created?
The app was created by a contractor turned consultant who has spent decades filling out Chain of Custody forms and dealing with the problems they create.
The goal was not to reinvent laboratory systems, but simply to make field submissions cleaner, faster, and easier for everyone involved.
Why Labs Like Interactive COC
Laboratories receive hundreds of Chain of Custody forms every week. Many arrive handwritten, incomplete, or difficult to read. Interactive COC improves the quality of information coming from the field without requiring the lab to change anything.
Clean, typed COCs
Labs receive a clear PDF with all sample information typed and organized. No deciphering handwriting.
Fewer data entry errors
Standardized fields reduce missing information and inconsistent sample labeling.
Structured data attached
Each submission includes a structured CSV file that can assist with faster entry into the laboratory system.
No integration required
Interactive COC does not connect to the laboratory LIMS. The lab simply receives the submission email as usual.
No setup or contracts
Labs do not need to install software or sign agreements.
Better workflow visibility
Clean sample counts and clear sample identifiers make it easier for sample receiving staff to process submissions quickly.
The goal is simple: improve the quality of the information labs receive from the field.
Why Consultants Switch From Paper COCs
Most consultants still fill out Chain of Custody forms the same way they did years ago: handwriting the form, double-checking calculations, scanning it, and emailing it to the lab.
Interactive COC replaces that process with a faster, cleaner workflow.
Create a COC directly from your phone
Enter sample information once and generate a complete COC instantly.
Automatic calculations
Sampling minutes and volumes are calculated automatically.
Correct handling of overnight sampling
The app correctly calculates time periods that cross midnight.
Eliminate handwriting errors
Typed information reduces mistakes and makes the COC easier for the lab to read.
Send directly to the lab
The finished COC is emailed to the laboratory immediately as a clean PDF.
Consistent documentation
Each COC follows a structured format, making project records easier to organize and review.
The result is a process that takes less time in the field and produces a clearer record for both the consultant and the laboratory.
How Interactive COC Works
Step 1 – Enter COC Information
Open the app and select:
- Laboratory
• Type of analysis
• Turnaround time
• Project information
Once these are selected, the correct Chain of Custody format is automatically prepared.
Step 2 – Enter Your Samples
Add sample information directly from your phone.
The app automatically handles:
- Sample numbering (scan barcodes and QR codes directly)
• Time calculations
• Volume calculations
• Overnight sampling periods
• Sample totals
Each entry is typed and organized as you go.
Duplicate samples easily with the “Next” button, which automatically generates the next sample number.
Step 3 – Send the COC
Tap Send and the app will automatically generate:
- A clean PDF Chain of Custody
• A structured CSV file
Both are emailed directly to the laboratory submission inbox and your email.
Your project record now contains a clean digital copy of the COC.
Who Uses Interactive COC
Interactive COC is used by professionals who collect and submit samples to laboratories, including:
- Environmental consultants
• Industrial hygienists
• Asbestos consultants
• Project managers
• Field technicians
• Environmental contractors
• Government inspectors
Anyone responsible for preparing Chain of Custody forms can use the app.
Common Questions from Laboratories
Do we need to install software?
No.
The laboratory receives the submission by email the same way many COCs are received today.
Does Interactive COC connect to our LIMS?
No.
Interactive COC does not integrate with laboratory systems. It simply sends the submission email.
What files do we receive?
Each submission includes:
- A clean PDF COC
• A structured CSV data file
The CSV file can assist with laboratory data entry if desired.
Can labs be listed in the app?
Yes.
Laboratories can be listed so consultants can easily select them when preparing a COC.
Listing a lab does not require contracts, integration, or system changes.
Common Questions from Consultants
Do I need to learn a new system?
No.
Most users can create their first COC within minutes.
What happens if I make a mistake?
You can edit any sample entry before or after sending the COC.
Can I use the app on multiple projects?
Yes.
Each project can contain multiple COCs and sample entries.
Can multiple people work on the same COC?
Yes.
Users can share the COC with other team members so information can be entered or reviewed collaboratively.
Security and Data Handling
Interactive COC does not access laboratory systems and does not modify laboratory data.
The app simply organizes information entered by the user and sends the finished COC to the lab via email.
Key principles:
- No access to laboratory systems
• No LIMS integration required
• No modification of laboratory records
• The consultant controls the submission
The goal is simply to improve the quality and clarity of information sent from the field.
What Happens After You Send a COC
Once the COC is sent:
- The laboratory receives the submission email.
- The user receives a copy for their records.
- The project record contains the finalized PDF COC.
This creates a clean digital record for both the user and the laboratory.
Additional FAQ Topics Worth Including
Does Interactive COC work without cell service?
Sample information can still be entered in the field. When a connection becomes available, the COC can be sent.
What types of COCs are supported?
Interactive COC supports multiple Chain of Custody formats and types of laboratory analyses.
Current COC types include:
- Asbestos Air COC
• Bulk COC
• Air COC
• Environmental COC
• Forensic / Police COC
Upcoming formats include:
- Summa
• Geotechnical
• Multi-Air
• UCMR
• Radiation
• Radon
Can I still keep my paper records?
Yes.
The generated PDF can be stored, printed, or attached to project documentation.
Will the lab accept this format?
Yes.
Labs receive a standard PDF COC, similar to what they already receive from field personnel.
What if the lab is not listed in the app?
Send the COC to yourself by selecting your company as the laboratory. You can then forward the COC to the lab of your choice.
Can different labs have different turnaround options?
Yes.
Each laboratory listing can include its own turnaround options and testing fields.
Benefits at a Glance
- No handwritten COCs
• Faster sample entry
• Automatic calculations
• Clean typed submissions
• Works with existing lab processes
Created by an Environmental Contractor Turned Consultant
Interactive COC was developed by an environmental contractor who later became a consultant and spent decades preparing Chain of Custody forms in the field.
The app was designed to simplify a process that professionals perform every day.
Ready to Try Interactive COC
Download the app and create your first Chain of Custody in minutes.