Please contact Forensic Assurance to check availability for late purchase tests.
Standard (Static) Proficiency Test Design: $145
Declared Double Blind Proficiency Test Design: $190
Description: Each proficiency test design will contain two (2) known contributor blood samples on bloodstain cards or swabs (upon request). The DNA results (STR and YSTR analysis) will be collected for these tests. The DNA Database proficiency tests will be distributed two times a year (Winter and Summer). The distribution of these tests have been structured and scheduled to accommodate laboratories meeting the test frequency requirements of the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) FBI Quality Assurance Standards (QAS). Click here for more information.
The known contributor samples will be provided on untreated bloodstain cards unless otherwise requested.
Summer 2024 DNA Database Proficiency Test
Purchase Deadline: March 1, 2024
Distribution: week of July 1, 2024
Answer Submission Deadline: September 30, 2024
Winter 2025 DNA Database Proficiency Test
Purchase Deadline: November 1, 2024
Distribution: week of January 20, 2025
Answer Submission Deadline: April 21, 2025
Summer 2025 DNA Database Proficiency Test
Purchase Deadline: February 28, 2025
Distribution: week of July 7, 2025
Answer Submission Deadline: October 6, 2025
Standard (Static) Proficiency Test Design: Each forensic practitioner will receive the same test samples as others in their laboratory, with the correct answers being the same. The test will be comprised of some of the same proficiency testing items used in the declared double blind test design, and the samples that are used will be different for every testing cycle. The static proficiency tests will have the same purchase deadlines, distribution dates and answer submission deadlines as the declared double blind test designs.
Declared Double Blind Test Design: Each forensic practitioner will receive a test composed of randomly selected unknown and/or known proficiency testing items, with the correct answers being specific to each test. Participants will be unable to gain information regarding the answers to their test through discussions with others participating in the same testing cycle, or with those administering the test. These blind elements are incorporated into the design of our tests to reduce the effects of bias on testing results. Forensic Assurance proficiency tests are declared (the participant knows that they are taking a test).
Please contact Forensic Assurance to check availability for late purchase tests.