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A variety of purposes may be served through interlaboratory testing: proficiency testing of experienced personnel, a training
exercise for new personnel, research and development of new techniques, etc. Each laboratory can determine how to utilize each
test. CTS defines each test as a Proficiency Test or Research Test and groups them according to forensic discipline as defined by
American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB).
Proficiency Tests: These tests may be used as part of the external proficiency test requirement for ASCLD/LAB accreditation. They
are subjected to predistribution review by qualified experts before shipment. If your laboratory is accredited they can complete
the ASCLD/LAB Release section on the first page of the Data Sheet to have results automatically forwarded to the appropriate
ASCLD/LAB Proficiency Review Committee. This can be done on an individual participant basis and is not a blanket release.
Research Tests: Some disciplines include research tests, which may be conducted
for a number of purposes, including: to determine
the practicality of a new proficiency test; to examine the usefulness of a particular procedure; or to offer an opportunity to
explore the limits of current testing techniques. Research tests are not designed to be used for ASCLD/LAB accreditation
proficiency test requirements and the returned results are not able to be forwarded to ASCLD/LAB.
ASCLD/LAB Accreditation Requirements
CTS has been designated an as approved provider of external proficiency tests by ASCLD/LAB in: breath alcohol testing, controlled
substances, crime scene (bloodstain pattern), serology, DNA, firearms, toolmarks, imprint/impression evidence, fibers, latent
prints, paint, glass, flammables (fire debris), questioned documents, and toxicology (blood/alcohol). This includes all tests not
designated as a Research test.
Enrollment in the Forensics Testing Program
Please refer to the Catalogue of Forensic Proficiency Tests for tests offered for 2008, pricing, enrollment deadlines, and a copy of the 2008 CTS subscription form. Please review the Forensics Program Subscription Information and Policies prior to
placing your order. The test program is conducted on the calendar year; CTS starts accepting subscriptions to 2008 tests beginning
August 1, 2007.
Shipment and Report Notices via e-mail
Labs may enroll in our eNotes e-mail notification system. This service provides updates about important program events, such as
sample shipments, Data Due Dates, and report publications. We will not send you unnecessary messages.
Predistribution Testing
Before releasing a proficiency test, predistribution review is conducted by qualified experts to assess the test design and
samples. This process, which is required of ASCLD/LAB approved proficiency test providers, helps ensure test validity. If your
laboratory is accredited by ASCLD/LAB and you would like to conduct predistribution testing for any of our proficiency tests,
please let us know! A credit in the amount of the test fee will be applied to your account for use in future enrollments. For more information please review Predistribution Testing: Information for Laboratories or contact the Forensic Department.
If you need further information about the Forensic Testing Program, please contact the Forensic Department. Questions regarding enrollment may be directed to CTS Subscriber Services. |
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