The FBI has approved changes to the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories. These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025. Your organization can prepare by reviewing pre-issuance copies as well as the comparison tables prepared by SWGDAM during its revision work, all of which can be found below.
Revision of FBI QAS for Forensic Testing Laboratories
The implementation plan for the use of Rapid DNA on forensic samples will commence with further guidance from the FBI’s QAS.
- Read the SWGDAM comparison table here: 2020 Forensic QAS vs 2025 Forensic QAS
- Read the pre-issuance copy here: Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories
Revision of FBI QAS for DNA Databasing Laboratories
This revision provided clarification regarding the implementation of Rapid DNA on qualifying arrestees at booking stations. Further details are outlined in the Standards for the Operation of Rapid DNA Booking Systems by Laboratory Agencies and National Rapid DNA booking Operational Procedures Manual.
- Read the SWGDAM comparison table here: 2020 Databasing QAS vs 2025 Databasing QAS
- Read the pre-issuance copy here: Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories
As always, you can also reach out to your accreditation officer with any questions you may have or contact A2LA at info@A2LA.org.