NCJ Number
218687
Date Published
April 2004
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper presents quality assurance guidelines, developed by the Scientific Working Group on Forensic Analysis of Chemical Terrorism (SWGFACT), for laboratories engaged in forensic analysis of chemical terrorism and implementing a quality assurance program.
Abstract
These guidelines describe quality assurance activities that a laboratory should follow to ensure the quality and integrity of the data and competency of the laboratory. A laboratory, in the context of these guidelines, is defined as a facility in which analyses associated with chemical terrorism is performed. The guidelines presented are under the headings of scope, definitions, quality assurance program, organization and management, technical personnel and training, facilities and security, evidence control, validation, analytical procedures, equipment calibrations and maintenance, reports and supporting documentation, review of reports, proficiency testing, corrective action, audits, safety, and subcontracting. The Scientific Working Group on Forensic Analysis of Chemical Terrorism (SWGFACT) developed the quality assurance guidelines to provide laboratories engaged in forensic analysis of chemical evidence associated with terrorism a framework to implement a quality assurance program. It provides guidance to laboratories that carry out forensic analysis to support the judicial system.