ABSTRACT
Quality assurance (QA) for forensic services requires certain processes to assure confidence that a service will meet laboratory requirements for quality. A QA program must include components that address:
• Continuing education, training, and certification of personnel • Specification and calibration of equipment and reagents • Documentation and validation of analytic methods • Use of appropriate standards and controls • Sample handling procedures • Proficiency testing • Data interpretation and reporting • Audits (internal and external) and laboratory accreditation • Corrective actions to address deficiencies and assessments for labora-
tory competence
Over the years, many guidelines for quality assurance in forensic DNA laboratories have been established. These guidlines will be introduced in this chapter.
