FDC FDC Quality Assurance & Accreditation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization provides accreditation specifically recognized for forensic DNA laboratories in the United States?
- ANSI
- ASCLD (Correct answer)
- ISO
- CAP
Correct answer: ASCLD
ASCLD (American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board) provides the primary accreditation program for forensic laboratories in the US.
Question 2: What is the purpose of an external proficiency test in a forensic DNA laboratory?
- To train new analysts on new methods
- To assess analyst competency using samples where the results are unknown to the analyst (Correct answer)
- To verify instrument calibration
- To audit chain of custody documentation
Correct answer: To assess analyst competency using samples where the results are unknown to the analyst
External proficiency tests use blind or open samples from an outside provider to evaluate analyst performance and laboratory accuracy.
Question 3: Under the FBI Quality Assurance Standards, how often must forensic DNA analysts complete external proficiency testing?
- Annually
- Every six months (Correct answer)
- Every two years
- Only during initial qualification
Correct answer: Every six months
The FBI QAS requires that each DNA analyst complete external proficiency testing at least twice per year (every six months).
Question 4: What is a reagent blank used for in forensic DNA quality control?
- To check for contamination introduced during the extraction process (Correct answer)
- To measure STR allele size accuracy
- To calibrate the CE instrument baseline
- To verify PCR amplification efficiency
Correct answer: To check for contamination introduced during the extraction process
A reagent blank contains no biological material and is processed alongside samples to detect contamination introduced by reagents or technique.
Question 5: Which control confirms that the PCR amplification process worked correctly?
- Negative amplification control
- Positive amplification control (Correct answer)
- Reagent blank
- Internal size standard
Correct answer: Positive amplification control
A positive amplification control contains a known DNA template and confirms that the PCR process amplified the target loci as expected.
Question 6: What is the primary role of a technical review in a forensic DNA case?
- To verify that the chain of custody is unbroken
- To ensure that the data and interpretations are scientifically accurate and complete (Correct answer)
- To confirm the laboratory meets accreditation standards
- To approve the case for court testimony
Correct answer: To ensure that the data and interpretations are scientifically accurate and complete
Technical review is a quality control step in which a second qualified analyst evaluates the data, methodology, and conclusions for scientific accuracy.
FDC FDC Quality Assurance & Accreditation 1
Which organization provides accreditation specifically recognized for forensic DNA laboratories in the United States?