FDC FDC Quality Assurance & Accreditation

Question 1

Which organization provides accreditation specifically recognized for forensic DNA laboratories in the United States?

Accepted Answer

ASCLD

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To assess analyst competency using samples where the results are unknown to the analyst

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Every six months

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

To check for contamination introduced during the extraction process

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Positive amplification control

Answer

A positive amplification control contains a known DNA template and confirms that the PCR process amplified the target loci as expected.

(FDC) Forensic DNA Certification Practice Test

(FDC) Forensic DNA Certification Practice Test

FDC FDC Quality Assurance & Accreditation