Chain of custody is the documented process of tracking the handling, possession, and transfer of original records throughout a document scanning project. It helps maintain accountability from initial pickup and secure transportation through document preparation, scanning, quality control, digital delivery, and final disposition of original documents.

USA IMAGING follows documented chain-of-custody and secure document handling procedures. Confidential records are processed at our access-restricted scanning facility in Poway, San Diego County, where code-controlled entry limits access to authorized personnel. Established procedures help safeguard documents during preparation, scanning, quality control, and temporary storage.

We coordinate scheduled document pickups and document the transfer of customer records. Chain-of-custody documentation can include pickup details, quantities, transfer information, and acknowledgment of receipt. Project-specific tracking and handling requirements are established before collection.

Yes. USA IMAGING can return original documents following scanning and quality control. Return arrangements and any special chain-of-custody requirements are established according to the customer's project instructions. Original records are not destroyed without customer authorization.

Yes. We provide secure scanning for medical records, biotechnology research documentation, pharmaceutical records, laboratory notebooks, legal files, and government archives. Project-specific confidentiality, document handling, retention, and chain-of-custody requirements can be incorporated into the scanning workflow, including HIPAA-related safeguards where applicable.

Following scanning and quality control, original documents may be returned, temporarily stored under agreed project terms, or securely shredded through an authorized shredding partner. The final disposition is determined by the customer's instructions, and no original records are destroyed without authorization.

Yes. Completed digital records can be delivered through agreed electronic transfer methods or USB media. Password protection and encryption are available when required. We also provide OCR-searchable PDFs, organized folders, and custom file naming based on project specifications.

Yes. USA IMAGING can provide documented chain-of-custody procedures for government, legal, and other confidential records projects. Documentation may include pickup and return acknowledgments, record quantities, transmittal references, and project-specific handling instructions as agreed with the customer.