Quality in the Forensic Science Laboratory

Abstract

The chapter is built around the concept of the management system, which contains the policies and procedures for all activities in the laboratory that can affect the quality of the test results and their interpretation. The management system is described in the laboratory quality manual and the Quality Manager is the key position in its control, development, and maintenance.

The steps required for effective quality control and quality assurance are identified and discussed, with a focus on the internal audit as the most important tool in assuring conformity with the standards defined in the management system. The standards that should be incorporated into the management system are then identified and discussed. These include factors that ensure the competency of personnel such as training, education, and proficiency testing, the selection and validwation of methods, and assuring the integrity of analytical instruments through effective calibration and maintenance.

Most forensic examiners are focused on their examination and testing of evidence and sometimes find it less easy to understand the need for detailed document and record control, and concepts such as traceability and uncertainty of measurement. The chapter presents these in a straightforward manner that shows how they can impact the validity of the day-to-day work of the forensic scientist.

Finally, the chapter considers accreditation, an objective means of demonstrating conformity with standards that encapsulate best practice in forensic testing.