Accreditation

Scope of Accreditation

The DNA, firearms, trace and fingerprint services of the Forensic Lab have been audited by ANSI National Accreditation Board and found to be in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. These standards describe the quality practices necessary to ensure the quality and integrity of the data and competency of the laboratory. Annually, an internal audit of the SDFL is conducted. In addition to internal audits, the SDFL follows the external audit schedule set by our accrediting body. All analysts at the SDFL undergo proficiency testing and participate in continuing education. Reports from the SDFL are reviewed before being issued.

In addition to ISO/IEC 17025, the DNA section is also in compliance with the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for forensic testing and databasing laboratories. Quality Assurance Standards for forensic DNA testing laboratories and forensic DNA databasing labs were established by the DNA Advisory Board and issued by the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in October of 1998 and April of 1999 respectively. A QAS audit is completed annually and is alternated between internal and external.