Four forensic DNA
DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the genetic material found in cells, composed of a double helix structure. It serves as the genetic blueprint for all living organisms. Read Full Definition standards published by the AAFS Standards Board have been added to the NIST OSAC Registry, effective September 1, 2026. The update is especially relevant to laboratories reviewing contaminationContamination - The unwanted transfer of material from another source to a piece of physical evidence. The inadvertent touching of a weapon, thereby adding fingerprints to it is an example of evidence contamination. Read Full Definition control, STR data-analysis training, CODIS training, and the preparation and review of DNA reports.
- Which forensic DNA standards were added?
- ANSI/ASB Standard 136-26: Human DNA contamination control
- ANSI/ASB Standard 091-26: Training in STR data analysis
- ANSI/ASB Standard 080-26: DNA reporting and review training
- ANSI/ASB Standard 079-26: CODIS training
- Why does the OSAC Registry addition matter?
- What should forensic DNA laboratories review?
- The larger direction for forensic DNA quality systems
- Sources
The Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science
Discover the fascinating field of Forensic Science, the application of scientific principles to legal matters. This post delves into its many disciplines, from DNA analysis to crime scene investigation, its importance in the justice system, Read Full Definition (OSAC), administered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), maintains a registry of selected forensic science standards that have undergone technical and quality review. The September 2026 update places four 2026 DNA standards from the Academy Standards Board within that registry.
Which forensic DNA standards were added?
ANSI/ASB Standard 136-26: Human DNA contamination control
ANSI/ASB Standard 136-26, Forensic Laboratory Standard for Prevention, Monitoring, and Mitigation of Human DNA Contamination, addresses PCR-based human DNA analysis performed in forensic laboratories. Its scope includes casework, DNA database work, and Rapid DNA analysis conducted within a forensic laboratory.
The standard focuses on limiting contamination, detecting contamination when it occurs, assessing its source, and mitigating its effect. For working DNA laboratories, this makes contamination control more than a housekeeping issue: it becomes a structured quality-system concern that should be reflected in laboratory procedures, monitoring practices, incident assessment, and staff training. For background, see our forensic DNA contamination control guide.
ANSI/ASB Standard 091-26: Training in STR data analysis
ANSI/ASB Standard 091-26, Standard for Training in Analysis of Forensic Short Tandem RepeatA short tandem repeat is a microsatellite with repeat units that are 2 to 7 base pairs in length, with the number of repeats varying among individuals, making STRs effective for human identification purposes Read Full Definition (STR) DNA Data
Information in analog or digital form that can be transmitted or processed. Read Full Definition, sets requirements for forensic DNA laboratory training programs covering capillary electrophoresis data analysisBig Data Analytics is the process of examining extremely large and complex datasets to uncover hidden patterns and insights. In forensics, it's used to analyze massive amounts of information to investigate fraud, cybercrime, and other Read Full Definition.
Importantly, its scope includes autosomal STRs, X-STRs, and Y-STRs. Laboratories that train analysts to interpret electropherograms should therefore examine whether their current training plans, exercises, documentation, and competency processes align with the standard’s requirements. Readers new to the subject can also review our guide to STR analysis.
ANSI/ASB Standard 080-26: DNA reporting and review training
ANSI/ASB Standard 080-26, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Reporting and Review, addresses training for preparing forensic DNA reports or notifications and for conducting technical and administrative reviews of forensic DNA case records and reports.
This is particularly relevant because analytical work does not end when a DNA profile is interpreted. The written report and the review process are critical quality-control stages. Laboratories may need to compare existing report-writing and reviewer-training programs with the new standard and document any gaps.
ANSI/ASB Standard 079-26: CODIS training
ANSI/ASB Standard 079-26, Standard for Training in the Use of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), provides requirements for forensic DNA laboratory training programs for the use of CODIS in casework and database functions.
The standard does not replace agency-specific authorization, database policy, or other applicable CODIS requirements. Instead, it provides a standardized framework that laboratories can use when structuring and documenting training for personnel whose duties involve CODIS. For related technology context, see our explainer on Rapid DNA and CODIS workflows.
Why does the OSAC Registry addition matter?
Placement on the OSAC Registry is significant because OSAC uses a technical and quality review process before standards are added. NIST describes the Registry as a repository of standards containing minimum requirements, best practices, protocols, terminology, and other information intended to support valid, reliable, and reproducible forensic results.
Registry placement does not automatically make a standard legally mandatory for every forensic laboratory. Implementation still depends on applicable accreditationAccreditation – a process by which a laboratory must prove to an accrediting agency that their processes, equipment, and employees are competent, credible, and accurate. The accrediting agency will inspect the laboratory and observe its Read Full Definition requirements, jurisdictional rules, laboratory policy, contractual obligations, and other governing documents. However, the Registry is an important benchmark for laboratories evaluating whether their quality system reflects current consensus-based forensic practice.
What should forensic DNA laboratories review?
Laboratories do not necessarily need to rewrite every procedure immediately. A practical first step is a documented gap assessment. DNA technical leaders, quality managers, training coordinators, and analysts can compare existing practices with the four standards and determine where action is required.
- Review contamination prevention, monitoring, investigation, and mitigation procedures against ANSI/ASB 136-26.
- Compare STR data-analysis training and competency documentation with ANSI/ASB 091-26.
- Review report-writing, technical-review, and administrative-review training against ANSI/ASB 080-26.
- Check CODIS training documentation against ANSI/ASB 079-26 where the laboratory performs CODIS-related work.
- Record identified gaps, planned actions, responsible personnel, and implementation dates within the laboratory quality system.
The larger direction for forensic DNA quality systems
The September 2026 Registry update shows a continued move toward more explicit, auditable expectations for how forensic DNA work is performed, taught, reviewed, and controlled. The scientific method remains central, but laboratories are increasingly expected to demonstrate not only that an analytical method works, but also that contamination risks are managed and personnel are trained and evaluated in a structured way.
For forensic DNA laboratories, the practical message is straightforward: these standards should be reviewed alongside existing SOPs, training programs, competency assessments, quality records, and accreditation obligations. The aim should not be compliance by document alone, but evidence
Evidence is any form of proof, such as objects, materials, or scientific findings, presented to establish or disprove a fact in a legal proceeding. It is used to reconstruct events and link or exclude individuals Read Full Definition that the laboratory’s actual practice is consistent, scientifically defensible, and reviewable.
