Including FBI 2025 Quality Assurance Standards (QAS) in Casework
Effective July 1, 2025, the FBI’s revised Quality Assurance Standards will address Rapid DNA technology for casework applications. The standards describe the quality assurance requirements that laboratories performing forensic DNA testing or utilizing the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) shall follow to ensure the quality and integrity of the data generated by the laboratory. These standards create new opportunities for forensic laboratories and law enforcement.
SNA International’s DNAConnect® solution helps laboratories meet these new standards while extending accreditation scope to Rapid DNA partner.
Rapid DNA Reference Documents:
Guide to all things Rapid DNA (3/1/2025):
https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/rapid-dna-guide/view
Rapid DNA at Crime Scenes
- Considerations for Law Enforcement Agencies Implementing Forensic (Crime Scene Evidence) Rapid DNA Programs with CODIS Agencies (2/26/2025): https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/forensic-rapid-dna-considerations-for-law-enforcement-2025.pdf/view
- Non-CODIS Rapid DNA Considerations and Best Practices for Law Enforcement Use (9/16/2019): https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/non-codis-rapid-dna-best-practices-092419.pdf/view
- Rapid DNA Testing for Non-CODIS Uses: Considerations for Court (7/31/2020): https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/rapid-dna-testing-for-non-codis-uses-considerations-for-court-073120.pdf/view
Rapid DNA in Booking Stations
- Standards for the Operation of Rapid DNA Booking Systems by Law Enforcement Booking Agencies (9/1/2020): https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/standards-for-operation-of-rapid-dna-booking-systems-by-law-enforcement-booking-agencies-eff-090120.pdf/view
- National Rapid DNA Booking Operational Procedures Manual (Effective 9/1/2020): https://le.fbi.gov/file-repository/national-rapid-dna-booking-operational-procedures-manual-eff-090120-1.pdf/view
Rapid DNA for CODIS DNA Laboratories
- Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories (Effective July 1, 2025): https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_e7cd0d4407ef4a32bc766d0407694fde.pdf
- Comparison between the Current Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories (Forensic QAS) and the SWGDAM Proposed Revisions to the Forensic QAS : https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_74a6b135323147818868a19b00353aa4.pdf
- The Guidance Document for the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing and DNA Databasing Laboratories Effective July 1, 2025: https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_9be93b609a734366b4bb82949c03bb75.pd
- Quality Assurance Standards for DNA Databasing Laboratories (Effective July 1, 2025): https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_14ec8d633ece40859b2aaeba33036f59.pdf
- Comparison between the Current Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories (Databasing QAS) and the SWGDAM Proposed Revisions to the Databasing QAS: https://www.swgdam.org/_files/ugd/4344b0_b59487eaa6fb448a97211384bd93574a.pdf
A note on the resources cited:
FBI: Federal agency that develops standards for Rapid DNA technology use in law enforcement. The 2025 QAS revision now expands Rapid DNA applications to include casework evidence.
SWGDAM (Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods): Scientific group of forensic DNA experts that develops quality assurance standards and guidelines that form the foundation for laboratory accreditation under the guidance of the FBI.