This course will examine the day to day considerations of operating a forensic laboratory with emphasis on quality assurance and quality control. Discussions will include considerations of laboratory accreditation and individual certification, employee continuing education, equipment qualification, method validation, rates of error in analytical procedures, proficiency testing, calibration issues, choosing the appropriate sample preparation and analytical technique, and quality control considerations of the actual analysis. Proper documentation with respect to chain of custody, record keeping, and uniform language in reports will also be discussed.

This course will examine the day to day considerations of operating a forensic laboratory with emphasis on quality assurance and quality control. Discussions will include considerations of laboratory accreditation and individual certification, employee continuing education, equipment qualification, method validation, rates of error in analytical procedures, proficiency testing, calibration issues, choosing the appropriate sample preparation and analytical technique, and quality control considerations of the actual analysis. Proper documentation with respect to chain of custody, record keeping, and uniform language in reports will also be discussed.