Biology/DNA Scientific Area 

Committee 2020 Update

Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D., Chair
Biology/DNA 

SAC 

Leadership

Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D., Chair; Florida Department of Law 

Enforcement

Carl Sobieralski, Vice Chair; Indiana State Police Laboratory

Kimberly Frazier, Chair; Wildlife Forensic Biology 

Subcommittee ; Wyoming Game and Fish Department 

Wildlife Forensic and Fish Health Laboratory

Beth Ordeman, Chair; Human Forensic Biology 

Subcommittee; Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory
The Biology Scientific Area 

Committee provides strategic 

direction within the Biology 

Discipline, serves as a platform 

to integrate similar standards 

activities across multiple 

forensic science disciplines, and 

manages the activities of the 

following subcommittees:

Human Forensic Biology

Wildlife Forensic Biology
SAC 

Activities

Biology SAC members work closely with the SC and 

TGs in identifying needed standards, development of 

new standards, as well as identifying research needs 

for the forensic biology community. Additionally, they 

are available to help with implementation of OSAC 

Registry Standards in your laboratory.

The Biology SAC works closely with SWGDAM to 

ensure our efforts are complemented.
Kristine Kadash, Subcommittee Chair, Jefferson County 

Regional Crime Lab 

Susan Greenspoon, Subcommittee Vice Chair, Virginia 

Department of Forensic Services

Kristin Schelling, Subcommittee Executive Secretary, Michigan 

State Police
ASB Published Standards OSAC Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 022 Standard for Forensic DNA 

Analysis Training Programs, First Edition, 2019

This standard provides the general requirements for 

a forensic DNA laboratory’s training program in 

DNA analysis including data interpretation.

http://www.asbstandardsboard.org/published-documents/dna-published-documents/ (All Human 

Forensic Biology documents at ASB)

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/osac-registryapproved-standards (All Human Forensic Biology and Wildlife Forensic Biology Documents on the OSAC 

Registry) 
Training Standards

ANSI/ASB Standard 022

Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training 

Programs

DNA Isolation

CE 

Sequencing

Amplification 

for CE 

Sequencing

Quantification

Amplification

Human Mito 

Interpretation

Data Analysis

Auto and Y 

Interpretation

Statistics

Reporting and 

Review

CODIS

Testimony
ASB Published Standards Going through 

the OSAC Approval Process Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 023, Standard for Training in 

Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification Methods, 

First Edition, 2020

This document provides requirements to ensure 

proper training in the methods of DNA isolation and 

purification used within the trainee’s forensic DNA 

laboratory.
ASB Published Standards Going through 

the OSAC Approval Process Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 115, Standard for Training in 

Forensic Short Tandem Repeat Typing Methods 

using Amplification, DNA Separation, and Allele 

Detection, First Edition, 2020

This standard provides the requirements of a 

forensic DNA laboratory’s training program in 

forensic Short Tandem Repeat typing methods 

using amplification, DNA separation and allele 

detection.
ASB Published Standards Going through 

the OSAC Approval Process Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 116, Standard for Training in 

Forensic DNA Quantification Methods, First Edition, 

2020

This standard provides the requirements for a 

forensic DNA laboratory’s training program in DNA 

quantification.
ASB Published Standards Going through 

the OSAC Approval Process Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 038, Standard for Internal 

Validation of Forensic DNA Analysis Methods, First 

Edition, 2020

This document details the general requirements for 

performing an internal validation of all forensic 

DNA analysis methods within a forensic DNA 

laboratory.
ASB Published Standards Going through 

the OSAC Approval Process Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 110 Standard for Training in 

Forensic Serological Methods, First Edition, 2020

This standard provides the general requirements for 

a forensic serology training program to evaluate 

body fluids, stains, or residues related to forensic 

investigations. This standard does not address 

training in forensic DNA analysis procedures.
Biological Methods Subcommittee

DNA Training Task Group

Validation Task Group

Serology and Y-STR Task Group

Massively Parallel 

Sequencing/Next Generation 

Sequencing Task Group

Familial Searching Task Group
Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification 

Methods, ANSI/ASB Std 023

Standard for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA Analysis 

Methods, ANSI/ASB Std 038

Biological Methods Subcommittee

DNA Training Task Group

Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs, 

ANSI/ASB Std 022 

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA Quantification Methods , 

ANSI/ASB Std 116

Standards for Training of Forensic STR Typing Methods using PCR 

Amplification, DNA Separation, and Allele Detection, ANSI/ASB 

Std 115

Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Amplification Methods for 

Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing *

Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Sequencing using Capillary 

Electrophoresis *

Standard for Training in Forensic Human Mitochondrial DNA 

Interpretation* 

Validation Task Group

Standards for Internal Validation of 

DNA Extraction Methods

Standard for Internal Validation of 

Human STR Profiling on CE Platforms

Standards for the Internal Validation 

of Human DNA Quantification

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of DNA 

Extraction Methods

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of Human 

Short Tandem Repeat Profiling 

on Capillary Electrophoresis 

Platforms

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of Human 

DNA Quantitation

Standards for Internal Validation of 

Automated Platforms

Best Practice Recommendations 

for Internal Validation of 

Automated Platforms
Biological Methods Subcommittee

Contamination Task Group

Forensic Laboratory Standards for 

Prevention, Monitoring, and 

Mitigation of DNA Contamination

Serology and Y-STR Task Group

Standards for the Developmental and Internal 

Validation of Forensic Serological Methods 

Standards for the Analytical Procedures and Report 

Writing of Serological Methods

Standard for Training in Serological Methods, ANSI/ASB 

Std 110

Standards for Validation of Male DNA Screening and 

related reporting document (Proposed)

Best Practice Recommendations for Reporting Results 

of Serological Examinations (proposed)

Best Practice Workflows for Efficient Sampling and 

Direct to DNA of Sex Assault Kits
Biological Methods Subcommittee

Standards for Validation and 

Implementation of Familiar Searching 

for Forensic Purposes

Familial Searching Task Group Sequencing: Massively Parallel 

Sequencing/Next Generation 

Sequencing Task Group

Standard for Training in Forensic 

Sequencing Methods: Massively Parallel 

Sequencing/Next Generation Sequencing

Standard for Internal Validation of 

Genetic Analysis on Massively Parallel 

Sequencing/Next Generation Sequencing 

Platforms
Beth Ordeman, Subcommittee Chair, 

Pinellas County Sheriffs Office 

Brian Higgins, Subcommittee Vice Chair, 

DFSC-USACIL

Lisa Brewer, Subcommittee Executive 

Secretary, Retired
ASB Published Standards OSAC Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 020, Standard for Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures, and 

Development and Verification of a Laboratory’s Mixture Interpretation Protocol, 

First Edition, 2018

This standard sets forth the requirements for the design and evaluation of 

internal validation studies for mixed DNA samples and the development of 

appropriate interpretation protocols for mixtures based on the validation studies 

performed. This standard includes a requirement that the laboratory verify and 

document that the mixture interpretation protocols developed from the 

completed validation studies generate reliable and consistent interpretations and 

conclusions for the types of mixed DNA samples typically encountered by the 

laboratory. This standard applies to any type of DNA testing technology and 

methodology used, including but not limited to, STR testing, DNA sequencing, SNP 

testing, haplotype testing, traditional and rapid protocols, etc., where mixtures of 

DNA may be encountered, analyzed and interpreted.
ASB Published Standard on OSAC Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 040, Standard for Forensic DNA Interpretation and 

Comparison Protocols, First Edition, 2019 

This document provides requirements for a laboratory’s DNA 

interpretation and comparison protocol. A protocol is needed for any 

DNA testing methodology that includes data interpretation and/or 

comparison. The protocol should encompass all variables permitted in 

the technical protocols that may have an impact on the data generated 

and the variety and range of test data anticipated in casework based on 

the types of samples routinely accepted and tested in the laboratory.

https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2020/09/02/OSAC%20Intent-Clarification%20on%20ANSIASB%20Std%2040%20Requirement%204.3.pdf
Promega Webinars

Training Standards Overview (ANSI/ASB STD 022)

https://www.promega.com/Resources/Webinars/Worldwide/Archive/2020/training-standards-overview/

Mixture Interpretation Validation, and Protocol Development and 

Verification (ANSI/ASB STDs 020 and 040)

https://www.promega.com/Resources/Webinars/Worldwide/Archive/2020/Mixture%20Interpretation%20Va

lidation%20and%20Protocol%20Development%20and%20Verification/

Development and Publication of New Standards 

and Best Practices - The Process

https://www.promega.com/Resources/Webinars/Worldwide/Archive/2020/Development%20and%20Public

ation%20of%20New%20Standards%20and%20Best%20Practices%20The%20Process/
ASB Published Standard on OSAC Registry

ANSI/ASB Standard 018, Standard for Validation of 

Probabilistic Genotyping Systems, First Edition, 2020 

This standard sets forth the requirements to be used by 

laboratories for the validation of probabilistic genotyping 

systems related to interpreting autosomal STR results. 

Amelogenin is not covered by this standard. Laboratories are 

advised to review their validation for compliance with this 

standard, supplement validation where necessary, and 

modify existing protocols accordingly.
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Data Analysis

Interpretation

Statistical Analysis

Report Writing/Review

CODIS

Testimony
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Data Analysis

Standard for Training on Analysis of Forensic STR Data

Validation Standards for Probabilistic Genotyping, ANSI/ASB 018

Best Practice Recommendations for Validation of Forensic DNA 

Software

Standard for Setting Analytical and Stochastic Thresholds
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Interpretation

Standards for Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures, and 

Development and Verification of a Laboratory’s Mixture 

Interpretation Protocol, ANSI/ASB 020

Standards for Forensic DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocols, 

ANSI/ASB Std 040

Best Practice Recommendations for the Management and Use of 

Elimination Databases

Standard for Training of Forensic Autosomal and Y-STR Data 

Interpretation

Standards for Internal Self-Evaluation of Mixture Protocols
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Statistical Analysis

Standard for Statistical Interpretation of Autosomal STRs

Standard for Assigning Propositions for Likelihood Ratios

Standard for Training in the use of Statistics in Interpretation of 

Forensic DNA Evidence
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Report Writing / Review

Standard for Reporting DNA Conclusions

Standard for Interpreting and Reporting DNA Test Results Associated with 

Contamination and Failed Controls

Standard for Training of Forensic DNA Reporting and Review
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

CODIS

Standard for Training of CODIS
Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting

Testimony

Best Practices for Forensic Biology Testimony

Standard for Training on Testimony for Forensic Biology
Training Standard Suite

Methods Status Data Interpretation and Reporting Status

DNA Isolation and Purification Methods * Published by ASB 

7/3/2020

STR Data Analysis Assigned to ASB Working 

Group

Quantification Methods * Published by ASB 

9/4/2020

Autosomal and YSTR Interpretation Assigned to ASB Working 

Group

STR Typing Methods Published by ASB 

9/4/2020

Use of Statistics in Interpretation Assigned to ASB Working 

Group

Amplification Methods for CE Sequencing * ASB Second round of 

public Comment

Reporting and Review Assigned to ASB Working 

Group

CE Sequencing * ASB Second round of 

public Comment

CODIS Assigned to ASB Working 

Group

Human Mitochondrial Interpretation ASB first round of public 

comment

Testimony Pending ANSI approval of 

* Applicable to human and non-human DNA title/scope

Other training standards – apart from suite Status

Serological Methods Published by ASB 9/4/2020

Forensic Sequencing Methods OSAC comment adjudication 

Familial Searching (training is one element) Pending OSAC comment
Kimberly Frazier, Subcommittee Chair, Wyoming 

Game and Fish Department Wildlife Forensic and 

Fish Health Laboratory

R. Christopher O'Brien, Ph.D., Subcommittee Vice 

Chair, University of New Haven

Ashley Spicer, Subcommittee Executive Secretary, 

CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, Law Enforcement 

Division
OSAC Registry Approved Standards

ANSI/ASB Standard 028, Wildlife Forensics 

Morphology Standards, First Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum standards for 

wildlife forensic analysts in the subdiscipline of 

morphology.

http://www.asbstandardsboard.org/published-documents/wildlife-forensics-published-documents/ (All Wildlife 

Forensic Biology documents at ASB)

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science/osac-registry-approvedstandards (All Human Forensic Biology and Wildlife Forensic Biology Documents on the OSAC Registry) 
OSAC Registry Approved Standards

ANSI/ASB Standard 047, Wildlife Forensics Validation 

Standard—Validating New Primers for Sequencing, First 

Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum requirements and 

recommendations for validating new primers for 

mitochondrial haplotyping and/or taxonomic identification 

via sequencing in wildlife forensic DNA laboratories where 

the sequencing (Sanger) method has already been 

validated.
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 019, Wildlife Forensics General 

Standards, First Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum standards and 

recommendations for practicing wildlife forensic 

analysts. This document covers good laboratory 

practices, evidence handling, and training as well as 

considerations of taxonomy and reference collections 

that are specific to wildlife forensic science.
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 029, Report Writing in Wildlife Forensics: 

Morphology and Genetics, First Edition, 2019

This document describes the information to be provided in 

formal written reports of wildlife forensic examinations for use 

in legal proceedings. Requirements for both genetic and 

morphological examination reports are covered. Forensic 

reports serve a variety of audiences, and must provide a clear 

and concise summary of methods, results, and limitations.
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 046, Wildlife Forensics Validation 

Standards—STR Analysis, First Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum standards and 

recommendations for validating new nuclear STR 

(short tandem repeat) markers for use in wildlife 

forensic DNA laboratories where the STR genotyping 

method has already been validated.
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 048, Wildlife Forensic DNA 

Standard Procedures, First Edition, 2019

This document provides minimum requirements for 

forensic DNA analysis of wildlife evidence including 

general laboratory practice, DNA extraction and 

amplification, analysis and interpretation, statistical 

support, sequencing, mitochondrial DNA haplotyping, 

taxonomic identification, STRs and data analysis.
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ASB Standard 106, Wildlife Forensics—Protein Serology Method for 

Taxonomic Identification, First Edition, 2020

This document addresses the protocols required for general protein serology 

methods for taxonomic identification routinely used in the laboratory. These 

protocols include: Serology methods routinely used in the laboratory, the 

validation process, and statistical analysis and interpretation of serology 

results generated in the laboratory. This document also covers the use of 

quality controls (positive, negative and comparison samples) and the 

analysis of results if controls fail. The document explains how differences in 

expressed proteins can be used to identify animals at family and/or species 

level using a suite of serology methods.
ASB Published Standards Going

Through the OSAC Registry Process

ANSI/ASB Standard 111, Standard for Training in 

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Analysis for Taxonomic 

Identification, First Edition, 2020

This standard provides requirements to ensure proper 

training in animal taxonomic identification based on 

mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequencing, data analysis, 

and reporting within the trainee’s forensic DNA 

laboratory.
Wildlife Forensics - Genetics and Morphology

Training

Validation

General Standards

Methods – Taxonomic 

Identification

DNA

Report Writing

Maintenance of Reference 

Collections

Methods
Wildlife Forensic Genetics

Training

Forensic DNA Analysis Training 

Programs ANSI/ASB Std 022

Standard for Training in mtDNA

Analysis for Taxonomic Identification 

ANSI/ASB Std 111

Standard for Training in Forensic DNA 

Sequencing using Capillary 

Electrophoresis *

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA 

Isolation and Purification Methods, 

ANSI/ASB Std 023

Standards for Training of Forensic DNA 

Quantification Methods , ANSI/ASB Std 

116

Validation

Wildlife Forensics Validation 

Standards _ STRS ANSI/ASB 046

Wildlife Forensic Validation 

Standard – Validating New Primers 

for Sequencing ANSI/ASB 047

Standard for Use of Public 

Databases for Wildlife Forensic 

Protocols

Wildlife Forensic General 

Standards ANSI/ASB 046
Wildlife Forensic Genetics

Methods – Taxonomic Identification –

Serology or DNA

Wildlife Forensic Methods –

Sampling of Reference Samples 

from Live Mammals

Best Practices for Building New 

STR Panels in Wildlife Forensics

Wildlife Forensic DNA Standard 

Procedures ANSI/ASB Std 048

Wildlife Forensic - Protein 

Serology Method for Taxonomic 

Identification ANSI/ASB Std 106

Wildlife Forensic Reference 

Collection Standards

Standard for the Development 

and Use of in-house Sequence 

Databases for Taxonomic 

Assignment of Wildlife

Genetic Methods to Determine 

an Individual of Potential 

Hybrid Origin

Report Writing in Wildlife 

Forensics: Morphology and 

Genetics 

ANSI/ASB Std 029

Standard for Development and 

Use of Allele Frequency and 

Population Genetics Databases

Methods for Geographic 

Assignment of Individual 

Animals

Standard for the Use of 

GenBank for Taxonomic 

Assignment of Wildlife
Wildlife Forensics Morphology

Training Validation

Wildlife Forensic Morphology 

Standard ANSI/ASB 028

Training in Taxonomic 

Identification using 

Morphology

Morphology Validation

Methods

Morphology Methods

Maintenance of Reference 

Collections
Beth Ordeman, Biological Data Interpretation and Reporting Subcommittee Chair, Pinellas County Forensic Laboratory bordeman@co.pinellas.fl.us

Kimberly Frazier, Wildlife Subcommittee Chair, Wyoming Game and Fish Department kim.frazier@wyo.gov

Robyn Ragsdale, Ph.D., Biology Chair; Florida Department of Law Enforcement robynragsdale@fdle.state.fl.us

ttps://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science
To review and comment on documents in development at OSAC:

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensicscience/standards-open-comment

To review and comment on documents at ASB:

http://www.asbstandardsboard.org/notice-of-standard-development-and-coordination/

https://www.nist.gov/topics/organization-scientific-area-committees-forensic-science