When is a DA form 7539 required?

• A. When a sample is removed, destroyed, or for lab submission
• B. When a sample is kept in storage
• C. Always for all samples
• D. Never

Answer: (A)

The requirement being tested is when formal documentation is needed for a sample, specifically at moments when the sample changes hands or its status changes. A DA Form 7539 is used to accompany a sample when it is removed from its current location, when it is destroyed, or when it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. This creates a clear chain of custody, recording who collected the sample, where it went, the purpose, and the date, which is essential for accountability and traceability. If a sample just remains in storage and does not leave or go to a lab, the form isn’t required.