NCJ Number
218788
Date Published
October 2000
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This report presents the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) audit document for assessing compliance with the standards for two applications: the “Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories” and the “Quality Assessment Standards for Convicted Offender DNA Databasing Laboratories.”
Abstract
The document defines and interprets each standard and clarifies the criteria necessary for compliance. The following standards are addressed: the quality assurance program; organization and management; personnel; facilities; evidence or sample control; validation; analytical procedures; equipment calibration and maintenance; reports; review; proficiency testing; corrective action; audits; and safety. Each standard combines the quality standards of the Forensic DNA Laboratories and the Convicted Offender DNA Databasing Laboratories so that compliance with both sets of standards is ensured. Discussion sections follow each standard and help to clarify the interpretation necessary for compliance. A comment section is presented with each standard for the auditor to add reference information if necessary. For example, standard 5 addresses guidelines for personnel and begins with an assessment of whether the laboratory personnel have the education, training, and experience necessary for the examination and testimony they provide. The discussion notes that in order to comply with this standard, compliance must be demonstrated with standards 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4 and all of their subcategories. Standard 5.1, for example, asks whether the laboratory has written job descriptions for all personnel that include their responsibilities and duties. The discussion notes that written job descriptions, augmented by other documents, if necessary, to include responsibilities, duties, and skills are acceptable for fulfillment of this standard. The final product of the audit should be a detailed and summarized report by the auditor with a response opportunity for the laboratory that underwent the audit.