According to the 14th provision, why must analysts retain records related to a case?

The 14th provision emphasizes the importance of retaining records related to a case primarily for their potential evidentiary value, as well as in accordance with the laboratory's retention policy. This ensures that any relevant information collected during the investigation can be preserved for future legal proceedings, where it may be necessary to validate findings or provide testimony. Retaining such records is crucial to maintain the integrity of the case and ensure that all evidence is available for scrutiny if needed.

In addition to evidentiary value, adhering to the laboratory's retention policy ensures that the records are kept for the appropriate length of time as determined by legal requirements or organizational standards. This helps protect the rights of all parties involved and upholds the legal obligations of the institution handling the case.