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What is quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) – in forensic science
admin to Forensic Science  



An inclusive term for procedures and protocols used in forensic analysis to ensure that any data or results produced are accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The term quality assurance is typically used to describe the foundation in place to ensure acceptable laboratory performance. In this usage, QA refers to things such as training, documentation, laboratory policies and procedures, and method validation. Quality control reflects all the actual practices used to ensure the trustworthiness of data such as control samples, instrument logs, use of good laboratory practices (GLP), and proper documentation. Regardless of how the terms are applied, aspects of QA/QC include (but are not limited to) facilities, maintenance procedures and documentation, training and continuing education, certification of analysts, accreditation, proper preparation of any reagents or standards, control samples, documentation and record keeping, safety protocols, and peer review. In this sense, anything that adds to the trustworthiness of data or laboratory results can be considered to be part of QA/QC. Guidelines for QA/QC protocols are published by entities such as the National Institutes of Standard and Technology (NIST) and by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD). Many professional societies also publish or recommend procedures and guidelines that could be considered part of QA/QC.