An apparatus and method to check integrity when handling data. The method provides a storage array which includes a plurality of sectors. The method defines (N) data state identifiers and (N) parity state identifiers. The method receives a command to handle data, where that command designates a target sector. The method determines the data state identifier assigned to the target sector, determines the parity state identifier assigned to the target sector, and compares the data state identifier and the parity state identifier. If the method determines that the data state identifier and the parity state identifier are the same, the method performs the command to handle data. Alternatively, if the method determines that the data state identifier and the parity state identifier differ, the method generates an error message.