Medicine Science (Dec 2018)
Accreditation of forensic science laboratories in Turkey in the scope of TS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard
Abstract
The identification and interpretation of evidence are important in criminal disclosure. In addition to analyzing the investigated evidence using scientific and credible methods, it must be documented that the processes are carried out in accordance with nationally and internationally accepted scientific criteria. This can only be achieved with accreditation. Accreditation of test laboratories according to the 17025 standard in forensic sciences is an assurance that the expertise for courts is acceptable throughout the world. Compliance with the 17025 standard ensures that every detail of the laboratory operation is in accordance with an unchanging and understandable procedure, the workflow processes are always the same, thus minimizing possible errors and improving the efficiency of the laboratory service. For accreditation in laboratories, the requirements of TS EN ISO / IEC 17025 must be applied. It is possible to separate TS EN ISO / IEC 17025 into two main parts. The first part is the management requirements and the second part is the technical competence. Documentation, audits and quality management constitute an integral part of the terms of the management. The concept of technical competence includes personnel competence, test methods and devices. Appropriate equipment, selection of methods, implementation, competent personnel selection and training, continuous improvement of the practices in the laboratory to ensure quality are also parts of the accreditation process. The first accreditation is received by the Institute of Forensic Medicine of The University of Istanbul, which operates in the field of forensic science in Turkey as one of the four accredited institutions. In this study, the laboratories that want to apply the accreditation process are informed about the points that they should pay attention to, the attainments of accreditation in forensic sciences and the objectives such as expansion of scope for the future are mentioned briefly, suggestions are given to increase the number of accredited laboratories connected to universities as well as ensuring sustainability. Also designing the Forensic Science Laboratories in compliance with ISO / IEC 17025 standards, examining the technical requirements in this context, as well as the accreditation of laboratories in the field of forensic science in Turkey, have been addressed. [Med-Science 2018; 7(4.000): 962-6]
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