Principles of quality assurance

Given that results generated by a forensic science facility may lead to the conviction or exoneration of an individual accused of a crime, may determine a cause of death, or may identify the victim of a criminal act or natural disaster (for example), systems need to be in place to ensure reliability, accuracy, and precision. It is expected that the scientific methods employed will be fit-for-purpose and will be applied in accordance with accepted international standards. Many factors impact on quality assurance (QA) in the forensic arena, from how samples are collected and transferred, how examinations and analyses are undertaken, the qualifications and training of staff, through to how results are communicated in written reports and otherwise presented in court.