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About OSAC

The Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC) for Forensic Science is administered by the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology (NIST), a non-regulatory agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, with the goal of 

strengthening the nation’s use of forensic science by facilitating the development of technically sound standards and 

guidelines and encouraging their use throughout the forensic science community. OSAC’s 800-plus members and 

affiliates work in forensic laboratories and other institutions around the country and have expertise in 22 forensic 

disciplines, as well as scientific research, measurement science, statistics, law, and policy. OSAC drafts and evaluates 

forensic science standards via a transparent, consensus-based process that allows for participation by all stakeholders.

For more information about OSAC see, www.nist.gov/osac. 

For questions or comments about this report, email forensics@nist.gov. 

This report was prepared by the OSAC Program Office at NIST:

• John Paul Jones II, OSAC Program Manager

• Lucy Fox

• Allison Getz

• Donna Sirk

• Mark Stolorow

https://doi.org/10.29325/OSAC.risr0011

Disclaimer: This document was produced within OSAC and is made available by the U.S. Government. This document 

is provided “as is” as a public service and the U.S. Government is not responsible for its contents. Any mention of 

commercial equipment, instruments, or materials in this document does not imply recommendation or endorsement by 

the U.S. Government; neither does it necessarily imply that the materials or equipment identified are the best available. 
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Contents

Executive Summary................................................................................................................................................................ 3

About the Survey.................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Recruitment of Survey Participants.................................................................................................................................... 5

Data Analysis....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

About this Report................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Respondent Demographics.................................................................................................................................................... 6

Organization Types ............................................................................................................................................................. 6

Geographic Regions............................................................................................................................................................ 7

Respondent Roles ............................................................................................................................................................... 9

OSAC Registry Awareness...................................................................................................................................................... 9

Priority for Implementing Standards...................................................................................................................................10

Key Challenges to Implementation......................................................................................................................................11

Organizations Participating in Full and Partial Standards Implementation.......................................................................11

Implementation Summary Sections....................................................................................................................................12

Biology/DNA......................................................................................................................................................................13

Bloodstain Pattern Analysis..............................................................................................................................................15

Digital Evidence.................................................................................................................................................................16

Dogs & Sensors .................................................................................................................................................................18

Facial Identification...........................................................................................................................................................19

Fire & Explosion Investigation...........................................................................................................................................21

Fire Debris.........................................................................................................................................................................23

Medicolegal Death Investigation ......................................................................................................................................26

Odontology .......................................................................................................................................................................28

Seized Drugs......................................................................................................................................................................30

Toxicology .........................................................................................................................................................................32

Trace Materials .................................................................................................................................................................35

Wildlife Forensics..............................................................................................................................................................41

Interdisciplinary ................................................................................................................................................................43

Key Takeaways From this Survey.........................................................................................................................................47

APPENDIX A. LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES........................................................................................................................48
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Executive Summary

In 2009, the National Academies of Science (NAS) published the report “Strengthening Forensic Science in the United 

States – A Path Forward.” The report contained a thorough review of the status of forensic science that was critical of 

the lack of consistency of the standards in the United States across disciplines and across jurisdictions. Among the 13 

recommendations provided in the report was a call to improve standards in the practice of forensic science. The NAS 

recommended the creation of transparent, nationally recognized standards to improve consistency and reliability of 

forensic science.

In 2014, OSAC was created by agreement between the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology (NIST) to address the lack of discipline-specific forensic science standards. OSAC fills this gap 

by drafting proposed standards and sending them to standards developing organizations (SDOs), which further develop 

and publish them. OSAC also reviews proposed and published SDO standards for placement on the OSAC Registry.

The OSAC Registry is a repository of high-quality, technically sound published and proposed standards for forensic 

science. These written documents define minimum requirements, best practices, standard protocols, and other 

guidance to help ensure that the results of forensic analysis are valid, reliable, and reproducible. All the standards on the 

OSAC Registry have passed a rigorous technical and quality review by OSAC members, including forensic science 

practitioners, research scientists, statisticians, and legal experts.

Standards are only beneficial if they are used. To improve consistency within and across forensic science disciplines, 

ensure the confidence in the accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of laboratory results, and positively impact 

admissibility and expert testimony in courts of law, OSAC encourages forensic science service providers to implement 

the standards on the OSAC Registry into their everyday practice. 

As more published and OSAC-proposed standards are added to the OSAC Registry, OSAC wants to better understand 

how standards are being used, the challenges encountered in their implementation, and what support is needed. 

Forensic science service providers (FSSPs) who self-declare that their laboratory has implemented specific standards 

provide the most direct means to inform OSAC about their implementation efforts. As of September 1, 2021, OSAC has 

received 43 self-declaration forms from FSSPs in 12 states and two foreign countries. 

In addition to self-declaration by FSSPs, the OSAC Registry Implementation Survey is another tool OSAC will use to 

collect implementation information on an annual basis. OSAC initiated the first survey in 2021 to measure the extent 

that FSSPs in the United States have implemented standards on the OSAC Registry. The survey, which opened June 10 

and closed August 31, 2021, provides a snapshot and assessment of the 46 standards that were posted on the OSAC 

Registry as of March 2021 (Table 1).

OSAC received more than 155 responses to the survey. One hundred thirty-eight (138) FSSPs reported that their 

organization has fully or partially implemented standards on the OSAC Registry. As expected, survey data show the 

disciplines that are more mature and commonly found in traditional crime laboratories are implementing standards at a 

higher rate. However, it is anticipated that more FSSPs will adopt standards focusing on disciplines outside of the 

traditional crime laboratory as they are added to the OSAC Registry.

Although the number of FSSPs implementing standards on the Registry is increasing, the survey data demonstrates that 

challenges to implementation still exist. OSAC is addressing these challenges by working with collaborators to develop 

standards training opportunities, implementation checklists, and the sharing of lessons learned from successful FSSP

standards implementers. OSAC continues to engage with relevant stakeholder groups such as FSSPs, SDOs, proficiency 

test providers, accrediting bodies, certification bodies, and forensic science professional organizations to learn more 

about their specific needs and open communication pathways to facilitate future collaborations. 
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Table 1. The disciplines and 46 standards represented in the 2021 OSAC Registry Implementation Survey

Discipline Standards on the OSAC Registry – As of March 2021

Biology/DNA (3)

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

ANSI/ASB Standard 022, Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs, First Edition, 2019

ANSI/ASB Standard 040, Standard for Forensic DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocols, First Edition, 

2019

Bloodstain Pattern 

Analysis (1) ASB Technical Report 033, Terms and Definitions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, First Edition, 2017

Digital Evidence (3)

ASTM E2916-19e1 Standard Terminology for Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination

ASTM E3017-19 Standard Practice for Examining Magnetic Card Readers

ASTM E3150-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Audio Lab Setup and Maintenance

Dogs & Sensors (1) ASB Technical Report 025, Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions, First 

Edition, 2017

Facial Identification

(3)

ASTM E3115-17 Standard Guide for Capturing Facial Images for Use with Facial Recognition Systems

ASTM E3148-18 Standard Guide for Postmortem Facial Image Capture

ASTM E3149-18 Standard Guide for Facial Image Comparison Feature List for Morphological Analysis

Fire & Explosion 

Investigation (2)

NFPA 921:2017 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations

NFPA 1033:2014 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator

Fire Debris (4)

ASTM E1388-17 Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples 

ASTM E1412-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by 

Passive Headspace Concentration with Activated Charcoal

ASTM E1413-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by 

Dynamic Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube

ASTM E3189-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Static 

Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube

Medicolegal Death 

Investigation (2)

ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy for Comprehensive 

Searches of Essential Automated Fingerprint Identification System Databases, First Edition, 2018

ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 010, Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification: Best 

Practice Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority, First Edition, 2018

Odontology (2) ANSI/ADA 1058-2010D Forensic Dental Data Set

ADA 1088-2017D Human Identification by Comparative Dental Analysis

Seized Drugs (2) ASTM E2329-17 Standard Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs

ASTM E2548-11e1 Standard Guide for Sampling Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Toxicology (4)

ANSI/ASB Standard 017, Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 

2018

ANSI/ASB Standard 036, Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 2019

ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 037, Guidelines for Opinions and Testimony in Forensic Toxicology, 

First Edition, 2019

ANSI/ASB Standard 053, Standard for Report Content in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 2020

Trace Materials (9)

ASTM E1610-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison

ASTM E1967-19 Standard Test Method for the Automated Determination of Refractive Index of Glass Samples 

Using the Oil Immersion Method and a Phase Contrast Microscope

ASTM E2330-19 Standard Test Method for Determination of Concentrations of Elements in Glass Samples Using 

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Forensic Comparisons

ASTM E2926-17 Standard Test Method for Forensic Comparison of Glass Using Micro X-ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) 

Spectrometry

ASTM E2927-16e1 Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime Glass Samples 

Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Comparisons

ASTM E2937-18 Standard Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations

ASTM E3233-20 Standard Practice for Forensic Tape Analysis Training Program

ASTM E3234-20 Standard Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program
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ASTM E3085-17 Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape Examinations

Wildlife Forensics (4)

ANSI/ASB Standard 019, Wildlife Forensics General Standards, First Edition, 2019

ANSI/ASB Standard 028, Wildlife Forensics Morphology Standards, First Edition, 2019

ANSI/ASB Standard 029, Report Writing in Wildlife Forensics: Morphology and Genetics, First Edition, 2019

ANSI/ASB Standard 047, Wildlife Forensics Validation Standard—Validating New Primers for Sequencing, First 

Edition, 2019

Interdisciplinary (6)

ANSI/NIST ITL-1: 2011 (Update 2015) Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & Other Biometric 

Information

ASTM E2917-19a Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and 

Professional Development Programs

ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity Assessment—Requirements for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies 

Performing Inspection

ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories

ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories

ISO 21043-2:2018 Forensic Sciences - Part 2: Recognition, recording, collecting transport and storage of items

About the Survey 

Recruitment of Survey Participants

The OSAC Program Office distributed advertisements through various venues to solicit survey responses. The 2021

spring and summer quarterly OSAC newsletters, monthly OSAC Standards Bulletins, the OSAC website, and the OSAC In 

Brief (internal communication for OSAC members and affiliates) provided invitations for participation. Additionally, the 

survey was distributed to the members of forensic science professional organizations including the American Academy 

of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLD) and the International Association 

for Identification (IAI). The intended participants for this survey included FSSPs from across the United States. A series of 

questions, shown in the Respondent Demographics section below, were provided to the participants to capture their 

demographics.

Data Analysis

The survey requested only one response be submitted per location. For example, a state or Federal laboratory with 

multiple laboratories was asked to provide one response for each laboratory’s city, region, or district. The OSAC Program 

Office compiled and collated the survey response data received from more than 155 FSSPs. Respondent’s demographic 

information was evaluated to allow the results to be combined and sorted by organization. Data analyses were used to 

help visualize trends among the selections made by FSSPs, such as the number of standards implemented, level and 

priority of implementation efforts, and the key challenges encountered in implementation.

About this Report 

This report provides a detailed look at the respondents and the implementation status of 46 standards that were posted 

on the OSAC Registry as of March 2021. It also serves to create a baseline to measure the year-over-year progress in the 

implementation of standards on the OSAC Registry. 
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This report is divided into six sections including1

:

• Respondent demographics

• OSAC Registry awareness

• Priority for implementing standards

• Key challenges to implementation

• Organizations participating in full and partial standards implementation

• Implementation Summaries for each of the disciplines where standards on the OSAC Registry are available. 

Respondent Demographics

Organization Types

OSAC received 155 responses from FSSPs and 27 responses from non-FSSPs to the OSAC Registry Implementation 

Survey. Only the responses from the 155 FSSPs were used in the data analysis. Most respondents were from U.S. State 

Government organizations (47.1%) with the U.S. County (18.7%) organization type being the second most common. 

Other U.S. organization types represented included city government (15.5%), private (12.9%), federal (5.2%), and 

academic (0.6%) organizations (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Organization Type Pie Chart

1

 A preliminary report of the survey results was shared in OSAC’s 2021 Fall Newsletter/Annual Report.
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Geographic Regions

The 155 survey respondents represented 38 states in the U.S. Geographic region groups were used as defined by the 

U.S. census2

.The Southern region of the U.S., which includes the South Atlantic, East South Central and West South

Central divisions, was most heavily represented in the survey (37%). The Western region, consisting of the Mountain and 

Pacific divisions, was the second most common region represented (26%). See Table 2 for the Organization Region Chart 

and Figure 2 for the Organization Region Heat Map.

Table 2. Organization Region Chart

2 https://www2.census.gov/geo/pdfs/maps-data/maps/reference/us_regdiv.pdf
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Figure 2. Organization Heat Map
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Respondent Roles

Of the 155 respondents, more than 75% were in upper management positions with 40.6% working as quality managers, 

followed by 37.4% working in a director or deputy role. Other positions represented included managers/section leaders 

(11%), practitioners/examiners (9.7%), and organization owners (1.3%) (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Respondent Roles

OSAC Registry Awareness

Participants were asked whether individuals in their organizations were aware of the OSAC Registry. Most respondents, 

153 out of 155 (98%), acknowledged that individuals in their organization were knowledgeable of the standards on the 

OSAC Registry.
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Priority for Implementing Standards

When asked what priority survey participants considered standards implementation for their organization, half of the 

respondents (50%) said it was a medium priority, or important. This was followed by 34% of respondents indicating that 

implementation was a high priority, or very important. Twenty-three respondents (14.8%) indicated that 

implementation was a low priority or not a priority at this time (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Priorities for Standards Implementation
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Key Challenges to Implementation

While 98% of survey respondents indicated that individuals in their organization were aware of the standards on the 

Registry, OSAC wanted to learn more about some of the challenges these forensic science service providers faced when 

implementing them. Survey participants were asked to select up to five key challenges from a list of 14 options. Of the 

responses, 71 indicated there were no major challenges and their organization supports implementation policies. 

See Table 3 for the key challenges identified from the 388 responses.

Table 3. Key Challenges to Standards Implementation

Organizations Participating in Full and Partial Standards Implementation

This survey included 46 standards that were posted on the OSAC Registry through March 2021. Of these, 44 standards 

have been implemented, either fully or partially. Two standards have not yet been implemented in organizations 

represented by the survey respondents.

The standard that has been implemented the most by respondents is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the 

Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories. This standard specifies the general requirements for the 

competence, impartiality, and consistent operation of laboratories and is a key standard used to accredit forensic 

laboratories. The survey results support this observation as 73% of the respondents noted that they have implemented 

ISO 17025:2017, either fully or partially, at their organization.
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After ISO/IEC 17025, two seized drug standards were implemented most. These include ASTM E2329-17 Standard 

Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs (55%) and ASTM E2548-11e Standard Guide for Sampling Seized Drugs for 

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis (52%). See Figure 5 for the number of respondents that have indicated full or 

partial implementation of the 46 standards in this survey.

Figure 5. Number of Organizations Participating in Full and Partial Standards Implementation by Standard

Of the 155 respondents, 17 indicated that they have not implemented, either fully or partially, any of the standards on 

the OSAC Registry. The remaining 138 respondents have either partially or fully implemented at least one standard on 

the OSAC Registry other than ISO/IEC 17025:2017.

Implementation Summary Sections

The next section of this report provides data on the specific disciplines where standards on the OSAC Registry were 

available as of March 2021. Each of the following discipline-specific sections begins with a list of the applicable standards 

and their scopes, followed by the implementation status for each standard, a rollup graph that groups the standards for 

quick reference, and a summary of the survey data. 

Survey respondents were asked to categorize their laboratory's implementation efforts for each of the 46 standards on 

the OSAC Registry (through March 2021) using the selections identified below.

• Implemented Full

• Implemented Partial

• Not Yet Implemented/Undecided

• Will Not Implement

• Not Applicable
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BIOLOGY/DNA 

• ANSI/ASB 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.

• ANSI/ASB 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.

• ANSI/ASB 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.

Figure 6. ANSI/ASB 020, Standard for Validation Studies of 

DNA Mixtures, and Development and Verification of a 

Laboratory's Mixture Interpretation Protocol 

Figure 7. ANSI/ASB 022, Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis 

Training Programs

Standards on the OSAC Registry (3)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
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Figure 8. ANSI/ASB 040, Standard for Forensic DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocols

Figure 9. DNA Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the three published DNA standards on 

the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• 48 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 020, while 26 said their 

organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 50 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 022, while 27 said their 

organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 53 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 040, while 20 said their 

organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 77 indicated that these biology/DNA standards are not applicable for implementation in their 

organization.

Summary
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BLOODSTAIN PATTERN ANALYSIS 

• ASB Technical Report 033, Terms and Definitions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, First Edition, 2017. 

This document provides a list of recommended terms and definitions to be used in published 

manuscripts, forensic reports discussing the conclusions of scientific examination of bloodstains, in 

courtroom testimony, and when teaching bloodstain pattern analysis. The target audience of this 

document includes crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, investigators, attorneys, judges, and 

researchers.

Figure 10. ASB Technical Report 033, Terms and Definitions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis

Will Not Implement = 1

Out of 155 respondents:

• 27 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASB Technical Report 033, 

while 17 indicated their organization has not yet implemented this bloodstain pattern analysis standard.

• Nearly three quarters of all respondents (110) indicated that the bloodstain pattern analysis standard is 

not applicable for implementation in their organization.

Standards on the OSAC Registry (1)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)

Summary
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DIGITAL EVIDENCE 

• ASTM E2916-19e1 Standard Terminology for Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination. A

compilation of terms and corresponding definitions used in the examination of digital and multimedia 

evidence to include the areas of computer forensics, image analysis, video analysis, forensic audio, and 

facial identification.

• ASTM E3017-19 Standard Practice for Examining Magnetic Card Readers. Magnetic card readers, when 

used for illegal purposes, are commonly referred to as skimmers. This practice provides information on 

seizing, acquiring, and analyzing skimming devices capable of acquiring and storing personally 

identifiable information (PII) in an unauthorized manner.

• ASTM E3150-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Audio Lab Setup and Maintenance. This guide sets forth 

recommendations for the creation of a forensic audio laboratory space as well as the configuration, 

verification, and maintenance of the equipment contained within the lab. In designing and configuring 

an audio laboratory, it is important to consider the acoustical environment/room of the laboratory, as 

well as climate control. Other than having a viable location for the laboratory, computer hardware and 

software applications are the most important components of this type of laboratory.

Figure 11. ASTM E2916-19e1 Standard Terminology for Digital 

and Multimedia Evidence Examination

Figure 12. ASTM E3017-19 Standard Practice for Examining 

Magnetic Card Readers

Implemented Partial = 2

Standards on the OSAC Registry (3)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
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Figure 13. ASTM E3150-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Audio Lab Setup and Maintenance

Implemented Full = 1; Implemented Partial = 1

Figure 14. Digital Evidence Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the three 

published digital evidence standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• 20 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E2916-19e1, while 16 

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 6 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 3017-19, while 15 said 

their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 2 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 3150-18, while 16 said 

their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 119 (more than three quarters of all respondents) indicated that these digital evidence

standards are not applicable for implementation in their organization.

Summary
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DOGS & SENSORS 

• ASB Technical Report 025, Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and 

Definitions, First Edition, 2017. This technical document provides the standardization of terms and 

definitions used in the detection dog community. The use of standardized terminology in the detection 

dog community promotes consistency across jurisdictions and relieves the judicial system of conflicting 

terms and definitions.

Figure 15. ASB Technical Report 025, Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and Definitions

Implemented Partial = 1

Out of 155 respondents:

• One indicated that their organization has partially implemented ASB 025, while seven respondents said 

their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 147 of all respondents (nearly 95%) indicated that this standard is not applicable for implementation in 

their organization.

Standards on the OSAC Registry (1)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)

Summary
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FACIAL IDENTIFICATION 

• ASTM E3115-17 Standard Guide for Capturing Facial Images for Use with Facial Recognition 

Systems. This guide is intended for use by practitioners who are choosing, setting up, and operating 

photographic equipment designed to capture facial images for use with an automated Facial 

Recognition System or used for manual comparisons by a trained facial examiner. This guide provides an 

overview of how to achieve the specifications defined in Annex E of ANSI/NIST-ITL-1-2011, Update 2015, 

for capturing facial images.

• ASTM E3148-18 Standard Guide for Postmortem Facial Image Capture. This document provides

guidelines for capturing postmortem facial images of human remains in controlled (for example, 

morgue) and semi-controlled (for example, field) settings to facilitate automated facial recognition (FR) 

searches or manual facial comparisons that could contribute to forensic investigations.

• ASTM E3149-18 Standard Guide for Facial Image Comparison Feature List for Morphological Analysis.

This guide defines a standard set of facial components, characteristics, and descriptors that should be 

used for facial comparison.

Figure 16. ASTM E3115-17 Standard Guide for Capturing Facial 

Images for Use with Facial Recognition Systems

Will not implement = 1 

Not Yet Implemented/Undecided = 1

Figure 17. ASTM E3148-18 Standard Guide for Postmortem Facial 

Image Capture

Standards on the OSAC Registry (3)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)

Not Yet 

Implemented/Undecided

0.6%
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Figure 18. ASTM E3149-18 Standard Guide for Facial Image Comparison Feature List for Morphological Analysis

Figure 19. Facial Identification Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the three 

published facial identification standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• Three indicated that their organization has partially implemented ASTM 3115-17, while one said their 

organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• Two indicated their organization has partially implemented ASTM 3148-18, while four said their 

organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• Three indicated their organization has partially or fully implemented ASTM 3149-18, while one said their 

organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 149 (more than 95%) of all respondents indicated that these facial identification standards are 

not applicable for implementation in their organization.

Summary

Not Yet Implemented/Undecided = 1

Implemented Partial = 1
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FIRE & EXPLOSION INVESTIGATION 

• NFPA 921:2017 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations. This document assists individuals who are 

charged with the responsibility of investigating and analyzing fire and explosion incidents and rendering 

opinions as to the origin, cause, responsibility, or prevention of such incidents, and the damage and 

injuries which arise from such incidents.

• NFPA 1033:2014 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator. This standard identifies

the minimum job performance requirements for fire investigators.

Figure 20. NFPA 921:2017 Guide for Fire and Explosion 

Investigations

Implemented (Full) = 1 Will Not Implement = 2

Figure 21. NFPA 1033:2014 Standard for Professional 

Qualifications for Fire Investigator

Not Yet Implemented/Undecided = 2

Standards on the OSAC Registry (2)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents):
22

Figure 22. Fire and Explosion Investigation Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of 

the two published fire and explosion investigation standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• Three indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented NFPA 921:2017, while 

three said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• Two indicated that their organization has fully implemented NFPA 1033:2014, while two said their 

organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 147 (approximately 95%) of all respondents indicated that these fire and explosion investigation 

standards are not applicable for implementation in their organization.

Summary
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FIRE DEBRIS 

• ASTM E1388-17 Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples. 

This practice describes the procedure for removing vapor from the headspace of a fire debris container 

for the purpose of detecting or identifying ignitable liquid residues. 

• ASTM E1412-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples 

by Passive Headspace Concentration with Activated Charcoal. This practice describes the procedure for 

separation of small quantities of ignitable liquid residues from samples of fire debris using an adsorbent 

material to extract the residue from the static headspace above the sample, then eluting the adsorbent 

with a solvent.

• ASTM E1413-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples 

by Dynamic Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube. This practice describes the procedure 

for separation of ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples using dynamic headspace 

concentration onto an adsorbent tube, with subsequent solvent elution or thermal desorption.

• ASTM E3189-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples 

by Static Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube. This practice describes the procedure for 

separation of ignitable liquid residues from fire debris samples using static headspace concentration 

onto an adsorbent tube, for subsequent solvent elution or thermal desorption.

Figure 23. ASTM E1388-17 Standard Practice for Static 

Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples

Figure 24. ASTM E1412-19 Standard Practice for 

Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris 

Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with 

Activated Charcoal

 Will Not Implement = 1

Standards on the OSAC Registry (4)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
24

Figure 25. ASTM E1413-19 Standard Practice for Separation of 

Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic 

Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube

Implemented (Full) = 1

Figure 26. ASTM E3189-19 Standard Practice for 

Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris 

Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto an 

Adsorbent Tube

Implemented (Full) = 1

Figure 27. Fire Debris Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the four published fire 

debris standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)
25

Out of 155 respondents:

• 21 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E1388-17, while 14

respondents said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 39 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E1412-19, while 11

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• Nine indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E1413-19, while 

seven said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• Eight indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E3189-19, while 

10 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 105 (65%) of all respondents indicated that these fire debris standards are not applicable for 

implementation in their organization.

Summary
26

MEDICOLEGAL DEATH INVESTIGATION 

• ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy for 

Comprehensive Searches of Essential Automated Fingerprint Identification System Databases, First 

Edition, 2018. This document provides guidance to medical examiners, coroners and investigators 

regarding the submission of recorded postmortem impressions for comprehensive searches of essential 

automated fingerprint identification system databases. While a number of factors affect the successful 

search of a fingerprint through an automated fingerprint system, one of the most important factors is 

ensuring the fingerprint is searched through appropriate antemortem fingerprint databases.

• ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 010, Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification: 

Best Practice Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority, First Edition, 2018. This document 

provides guidelines and best practices relevant to the role of forensic anthropology in a DVI operation. 

Anthropological methods, techniques and principles are typically employed in five primary capacities: 1) 

during the Preparedness phase of a DVI operation, 2) the Search and Recovery and preservation of 

remains from a mass fatality incident, 3) at the Triage Station during the initial sorting of material 

gathered from the field and determination of what human tissue enters the morgue, 4) at the 

Anthropology Station collecting quality postmortem data from each morgue sample, and 5) as a 

member of the ID Reconciliation Team, focused on ensuring valid and reliable positive identifications 

from human tissues. The focus of this document is primarily on the Triage Station and the Anthropology 

Station. 

Figure 28. ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 

007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy for 

Comprehensive Searches of Essential Automated 

Fingerprint Identification System Databases

Implemented (Full) = 2

Figure 29. ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 

010, Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim 

Identification: Best Practice Recommendations for the 

Medicolegal Authority

Implemented (Partial) = 1

Not Yet Implemented/Undecided = 2

Standards on the OSAC Registry (2)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
27

Figure 30. Medicolegal Death Investigation Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of 

the two published medicolegal death investigation standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• Five indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 007, while six 

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• Three indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 010, while 

two said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 129 (more than three quarters) of all respondents indicated that these medicolegal death 

investigation standards are not applicable for implementation in their organization.

Summary
28

ODONTOLOGY 

• ANSI/ADA 1058-2010D Forensic Dental Data Set. This standard develops uniform nomenclature for the 

description of forensic dental data and defines a standardized set of uniform terms to convey this 

information.

• ADA 1088-2017D Human Identification by Comparative Dental Analysis. This technical report provides

the best available current information to forensic odontologists, forensic pathologists, medical 

examiners and coroners, law enforcement personnel, dental schools, emergency planners and others on 

the best practices recommended by the forensic odontology community. It includes guidelines on how 

to obtain comparative forensic dental data as well as the recommended methodologies to reconcile that 

data in order to establish an identification by comparative dental analysis.

Figure 31. ANSI/ADA 1058-2010D Forensic Dental Data Set

Will Not Implement = 1

Not Yet Implemented/Undecided = 1

Figure 32. ADA 1088-2017D Human Identification by 

Comparative Dental Analysis

Will Not Implement = 1

Standards on the OSAC Registry (2)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
29

Figure 33. Odontology Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the two published 

odontology standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• Two indicated that their organization has not yet implemented ADA 1088-2017D.

• One indicated that their organization has not yet implemented ANSI/ADA 1058-2010D.

• At least 152 (99%) of all respondents indicated that forensic odontology standards are not applicable for 

implementation in their organization.

Summary
30

SEIZED DRUGS 

• ASTM E2329-17 Standard Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs. This practice describes minimum 

criteria for the qualitative analysis (identification) of seized drugs.

• ASTM E2548-11e1 Standard Guide for Sampling Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative 

Analysis. This guide covers minimum considerations for sampling of seized drugs for qualitative and 

quantitative analysis.

Figure 34. ASTM E2329-17 Standard Practice for 

Identification of Seized Drugs

Figure 35. ASTM E2548-11e1 Standard Guide for Sampling 

Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Will Not Implement = 1

Standards on the OSAC Registry (2)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
31

Figure 36. Seized Drug Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the two published 

seized drug standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• 86 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E2329-17, while 21

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 81 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E2548-11e, while 24

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 48 (fewer than one third) of all respondents indicated that these seized drug standards are not 

applicable for implementation in their organization.

Summary
32

TOXICOLOGY 

• ANSI/ASB Standard 017, Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology, First 

Edition, 2018. This standard defines the minimum requirements for establishing measurement 

traceability in forensic toxicology laboratories.

• ANSI/ASB Standard 036, Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 

2019. This document delineates minimum standards of practice for validating analytical methods used in 

the field of forensic toxicology that target specific analytes or analyte classes. Specifically, it is intended 

for the subdisciplines of postmortem forensic toxicology, human performance toxicology (e.g., drugfacilitated crimes and driving-under-the-influence of alcohol or drugs), non-regulated employment drug 

testing, court-ordered toxicology (e.g., probation and parole, drug courts, child services), and general 

forensic toxicology (non-lethal poisonings or intoxications). This document is not intended to address 

method validation in the discipline of breath alcohol testing. The fundamental reason for performing 

method validation is to ensure confidence and reliability in forensic toxicological test results by 

demonstrating the method is fit for its intended use.

• ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 037, Guidelines for Opinions and Testimony in Forensic 

Toxicology, First Edition, 2019. This document delineates guidelines for best practices in forensic 

toxicology opinions and testimony. Specifically, it is intended for the subdisciplines of human 

performance toxicology (e.g., driving-under-the-influence of alcohol or drugs and drug-facilitated 

crimes), postmortem forensic toxicology, non-regulated employment drug testing, court-ordered 

toxicology (e.g., probation and parole, drug courts, child services), and general forensic toxicology (e.g., 

non-lethal poisonings or intoxications).

• ANSI/ASB Standard 053, Standard for Report Content in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 2020. This 

document delineates the requirements for reporting results from forensic toxicology analyses. 

Specifically, it is intended for the subdisciplines of human performance toxicology (e.g., driving- underthe-influence of alcohol or drugs and drug-facilitated crimes), postmortem forensic toxicology, nonregulated employment drug testing, court-ordered toxicology (e.g., probation and parole, drug courts, 

child services), and general forensic toxicology (e.g., non-lethal poisonings or intoxications). The 

document does not apply to the reporting of breath alcohol testing results.

Standards on the OSAC Registry (4)
33

Figure 37. ANSI/ASB Standard 017, Standard Practices for 

Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology

Figure 38. ANSI/ASB Standard 036, Standard Practices for 

Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology

Figure 39. ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 

037, Guidelines for Opinions and Testimony in Forensic 

Toxicology

Will Not Implement = 1

Figure 40. ANSI/ASB Standard 053, Standard for Report 

Content in Forensic Toxicology

Will Not Implement = 1

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
34

Figure 41. Toxicology Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the four published 

toxicology standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• 51 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 017, while 18

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 46 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 036, while 23

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 46 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 037, while 22

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 45 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 053, while 24

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 84 (more than half) of all respondents indicated that these forensic toxicology standards were 

not applicable for implementation in their organization.

Summary
35

TRACE MATERIALS 

• ASTM E1610-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison. This guide is intended as 

an introduction to standard guides for forensic examination of paints and coatings. It assists individuals 

who conduct forensic paint analyses in their evaluation, selection, and application of tests that can be of 

value to their investigations. This guide describes methods to develop discriminatory information using 

an efficient and reasonable order of testing. The need for validated methods and quality assurance 

guidelines is also addressed. This document is not intended as a detailed methods description or rigid 

scheme for the analysis and comparison of paints, but as a guide to the strengths and limitations of each 

analytical method. The goal is to provide a consistent approach to forensic paint analysis.

• ASTM E1967-19 Standard Test Method for the Automated Determination of Refractive Index of Glass 

Samples Using the Oil Immersion Method and a Phase Contrast Microscope. This test method covers a 

procedure for measuring and comparing the refractive index (η) at a fixed wavelength (λ) and 

temperature (T) ( ) of glass from known sources to recovered fragments from a questioned source.

• ASTM E2330-19 Standard Test Method for Determination of Concentrations of Elements in Glass 

Samples Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Forensic Comparisons. This 

test method covers a procedure for quantitative determination of the concentrations of magnesium 

(Mg), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), zirconium 

(Zr), barium (Ba), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), samarium (Sm), and lead (Pb) in glass 

samples. This procedure is applicable to irregularly shaped samples as small as 200 micrograms, for the 

comparison of fragments of a known source to the recovered fragments from a questioned source. 

These elements are present in soda lime and borosilicate glass in μg/L to % levels. This procedure is 

applicable to other elements, other types of glass, and other concentration ranges with appropriate 

modifications of the digestion procedure (if needed for full recovery of the additional elements), 

calibration standards and the mass spectrometer conditions. Calcium and potassium, for example, could 

be added to the list of analytes in a modified analysis scheme. Alternative methods for the 

determination of concentrations of elements in glass are listed in the references.

• ASTM E2926-17 Standard Test Method for Forensic Comparison of Glass Using Micro X-ray 

Fluorescence (μ-XRF) Spectrometry. This test method is for the determination of major, minor, and 

trace elements present in glass fragments. The elemental composition of a glass fragment can be 

measured through the use of μ-XRF analysis for comparisons of glass. This test method covers the 

application of μ-XRF using mono- and poly- capillary optics, and an energy dispersive X-ray detector 

(EDS).

Standards on the OSAC Registry (9)
36

• ASTM E2927-16e1 Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime Glass 

Samples Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic 

Comparisons. This test method covers a procedure for the quantitative elemental analysis of the 

following seventeen elements: lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), 

iron (Fe), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), zirconium (Zr), barium (Ba), 

lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), neodymium (Nd), hafnium (Hf) and lead (Pb) through the use of Laser 

Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) for the forensic comparison of 

glass fragments. The potential of these elements to provide the best discrimination among different 

sources of soda-lime glasses has been published elsewhere. Silicon (Si) is also monitored for use as a 

normalization standard. Additional elements may be added as needed, for example, tin (Sn) can be used 

to monitor the orientation of float glass fragments.

• ASTM E2937-18 Standard Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations. This 

guide applies to the forensic IR analysis of paints and coatings and is intended to supplement 

information presented in the Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison Guidelines written by Scientific 

Working Group on Materials Analysis (SWGMAT). This guideline is limited to the discussion of Fourier 

Transform Infrared (FTIR) instruments and provides information on FTIR instrument setup, performance 

assessment, sample preparation, analysis, and data interpretation. It is intended to provide an 

understanding of the requirements, benefits, limitations and proper use of IR accessories and sampling 

methods available for use by forensic paint examiners. The following accessory techniques will be 

discussed: FTIR microspectroscopy (transmission and reflectance), diamond cell and attenuated total 

reflectance. The particular methods employed by each examiner or laboratory, or both, are dependent 

upon available equipment, examiner training, specimen size or suitability, and purpose of examination. 

This guideline does not cover the theoretical aspects of many of the topics presented.

• ASTM E3085-17 Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape 

Examinations. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) is a valuable method for the identification and comparison of 

pressure sensitive tapes. This guide provides basic recommendations and information about infrared 

spectrometers and accessories, with an emphasis on sampling techniques specific to pressure sensitive 

tape examinations. The particular method(s) employed by each examiner or laboratory will depend 

upon available equipment, examiner training, sample suitability, and sample size.

• ASTM E3233-20 Standard Practice for Forensic Tape Analysis Training Program. This standard is 

intended as a practice for use by laboratory personnel responsible for training examiners to perform 

forensic examinations and comparisons on pressure sensitive tapes and adhesives. It contains a list of 

training objectives with recommended methods of instruction, reading assignments and structured 

exercises to provide practical experience for the trainee.

• ASTM E3234-20 Standard Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program. This document is 

intended as a practice for use by laboratory personnel responsible for training examiners to perform 

forensic examinations and comparisons of paint. It contains a list of training objectives with 

recommended methods of instruction, reading assignments and structured exercises to provide 

practical experience for the trainee.
37

Figure 42. ASTM E1610-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Paint 

Analysis and Comparison

Figure 43. ASTM E1967-19 Standard Test Method for the 

Automated Determination of Refractive Index of Glass 

Samples Using the Oil Immersion Method and a Phase 

Contrast Microscope

Will Not Implement = 2

Figure 44. ASTM E2330-19 Standard Test Method for 

Determination of Concentrations of Elements in Glass Samples 

Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) 

for Forensic Comparisons

Implemented (Full) = 1

Figure 45. ASTM E2926-17 Standard Test Method for 

Forensic Comparison of Glass Using Micro X-ray Fluorescence 

(μ-XRF) Spectrometry

Not Yet Implemented/Undecided = 3

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
38

Figure 46. ASTM E2927-16e1 Standard Test Method for 

Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime Glass Samples 

Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass 

Spectrometry for Forensic Comparisons

Not Yet Implemented/Undecided = 3

Implemented (Full) = 1

Figure 47. ASTM E2937-18 Standard Guide for Using 

Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations

Figure 48. ASTM E3085-17 Standard Guide for Fourier 

Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape 

Examinations

Will Not Implement = 1

Figure 49. ASTM E3233-20 Standard Practice for Forensic 

Tape Analysis Training Program

Will Not Implement = 1
39

Figure 50. ASTM E3234-20 Standard Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program

Figure 51. Trace Materials Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the nine published 

trace materials standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)
40

• Trace evidence disciplines are a composite of multiple types of forensic evidence. The nine standards 

included on the OSAC Registry at the time of the 2021 survey consisted of 4 glass standards, 3 paint 

standards, and 2 tape standards.

o Trace Evidence: Glass Analysis

 25 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 

E1967-19, while seven said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

 One indicated that their organization has fully implemented ASTM E2330, while three

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

 18 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially ASTM E2926-17, while 

three said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

 One indicated that their organization has fully implemented ASTM E2927-16e1, while 

three said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

o Trace Evidence: Paint Analysis

 33 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 

E1610-18, while 10 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

 32 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 

E2937-18, while 11 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

 28 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 

E3234-20, while 13 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

o Trace Evidence: Tape Analysis

 27 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 

E3085-17, while nine said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

 23 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM 

E3233-20, while 12 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 112 (over 70%) of all respondents indicated that these trace standards were not applicable for 

implementation in their organization.

Summary
41

WILDLIFE FORENSICS 

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Figure 52. ANSI/ASB Standard 019, Wildlife Forensics 

General Standards

Will Not Implement = 1

Implemented (Partial) = 2

Figure 53. ANSI/ASB Standard 028, Wildlife Forensics 

Morphology Standards

Implemented (Full) = 1

Will Not Implement = 1

Standards on the OSAC Registry (4)

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
42

Figure 54. ANSI/ASB Standard 029, Report Writing in 

Wildlife Forensics: Morphology and Genetics

Will Not Implement = 1

Implemented (Partial) = 2

Figure 55. ANSI/ASB Standard 047, Wildlife Forensics 

Validation Standard—Validating New Primers for 

Sequencing

Will Not Implement = 1

Implemented (Partial) = 2

Figure 56. Wildlife Forensics Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the four 

published wildlife forensics standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)

Out of 155 respondents:

• Four indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 019.

• Four indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 028.

• Four indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 029.

• Four indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/ASB 047.

• 150 (more than 95%) of all respondents indicated that these wildlife forensic standards were not 

applicable for implementation in their organization.

Summary
43

INTERDISCIPLINARY 

• ANSI/NIST ITL-1: 2011 (Update 2015) Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & Other 

Biometric Information. This standard defines the content, format, and units of measurement for the 

electronic exchange of fingerprint, palm print, plantar, facial/mugshot, scar, mark & tattoo (SMT), iris, 

deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and other biometric sample and forensic information that may be used in 

the identification or verification process of a subject. The information consists of a variety of mandatory 

and optional items. This information is primarily intended for interchange among criminal justice 

administrations or organizations that rely on automated identification systems or use other biometric 

and image data for identification purposes.

• ASTM E2917-19a Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, 

and Professional Development Programs. This practice provides foundational requirements for the 

training, continuing education, and professional development of forensic science practitioners to include 

training criteria toward competency, documentation, and implementation of training, and continuous 

professional development. This information is intended for forensic science service providers to help 

establish a training framework with program structure and content; for forensic science practitioners as 

they acquire and maintain their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs); and for training programs to 

manage and support the continuous development of their employees.

• ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity Assessment—Requirements for the Operation of Various Types of 

Bodies Performing Inspection. This International Standard contains requirements for the competence of 

bodies performing inspection and for the impartiality and consistency of their inspection activities. It 

applies to inspection bodies of type A, B or C, as defined in this International Standard, and it applies to 

any stage of inspection.

• ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration 

Laboratories. This document specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and 

consistent operation of laboratories. This document is applicable to all organizations performing 

laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel. Laboratory customers, regulatory 

authorities, organizations, and schemes using peer-assessment, accreditation bodies, and others use this 

document in confirming or recognizing the competence of laboratories.

• ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration 

Laboratories. This document specifies the general requirements for the competence, impartiality, and 

consistent operation of laboratories. This document is applicable to all organizations performing 

laboratory activities, regardless of the number of personnel. Laboratory customers, regulatory 

authorities, organizations, and schemes using peer-assessment, accreditation bodies, and others use this 

document in confirming or recognizing the competence of laboratories.

• ISO 21043-2:2018 Forensic Sciences – Part 2: Recognition, recording, collecting transport and storage 

of items. This document specifies requirements for the forensic process focusing on recognition, 

recording, collection, transport, and storage of items of potential forensic value. It includes 

requirements for the assessment and examination of scenes but is also applicable to activities that occur 

within the facility. This document also includes quality requirements. 

Standards on the OSAC Registry (6)
44

Figure 57. ANSI/NIST ITL-1: 2011, Data Format for the 

Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & Other Biometric 

Information

Implemented (Partial) = 3

Figure 58. ASTM E2917-19a Standard Practice for Forensic 

Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and 

Professional Development Programs

Implementation Status by Standard (out of 155 survey respondents)
45

Figure 59. ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity Assessment—

Requirements for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies 

Performing Inspection

Figure 60. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for 

the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Figure 61. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General Requirements for the

Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories

Figure 62. ISO 21043-2:2018 Forensic Sciences – Part 2: 

Recognition, recording, collecting transport and storage of 

items
46

Figure 63. Interdisciplinary Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the six published 

interdisciplinary standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021) 

Out of 155 respondents:

• Seven indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ANSI/NIST ITL-1: 2011, 

while 30 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 74 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ASTM E2917-19, while 53

said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 10 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ISO/IEC 17020-2012, while 

20 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 29 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ISO/IEC 17025:2005, while 

10 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 114 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ISO/IEC 17025:2017, while 

13 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• 50 indicated that their organization has either fully or partially implemented ISO/IEC 21043-2:2018, 

while 51 said their organization has not yet implemented this standard.

• At least 22 of all respondents indicated that some of these standards were not applicable for 

implementation in their organization.

Summary
47

Key Takeaways From this Survey

• Survey responses represent forensic science service providers from 38 states, across a range of 

organization types, roles, and geographical regions.

• Most survey respondents (98%) are aware of the standards on the OSAC Registry.

• 85% of survey respondents consider standards implementation a priority.

• One hundred thirty-eight (138) forensic science service providers have reported using the standards on 

the OSAC Registry. Of the 46 standards included in this survey, 44 are being implemented.

• The disciplines practiced in traditional crime laboratories are further along in their efforts to implement 

the standards on the OSAC Registry, with standards related to biology/DNA, forensic toxicology and 

seized drugs being implemented the most. 

• Survey respondents identified the top key challenges to implementation as not having personnel to 

allocate to the task and organizations not being able or required to implement the standards on the 

OSAC Registry at this time.

• As of the publication of this report (February 2022), the OSAC Registry contains 78 standards, 

representing 19 forensic science disciplines and interdisciplinary topics. These standards and disciplines 

will be a part of the 2022 OSAC Registry Implementation Survey. Additionally, the 2022 survey will 

proceed with the goal to expand its reach to smaller organizations, municipalities, and disciplines. 
48

APPENDIX A. LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1. The disciplines and 46 standards represented in the 2021 OSAC Registry Implementation Survey ...........4

Figure 1. Organization Type Pie Chart........................................................................................................................6

Table 2. Organization Region Chart ...........................................................................................................................7

Figure 2. Organization Heat Map ...............................................................................................................................8

Figure 3. Respondent Roles........................................................................................................................................9

Figure 4. Priorities for Standards Implementation ................................................................................................. 10

Table 3. Key Challenges to Standards Implementation .......................................................................................... 11

Figure 5. Organizations Participating in Full and Partial Standards Implementation ............................................. 12

Figure 6. ANSI/ASB 020, Standard for Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures, and Development and Verification of 

a Laboratory's Mixture Interpretation Protocol...................................................................................................... 13

Figure 7. ANSI/ASB 022, Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs................................................. 13

Figure 8. ANSI/ASB 040, Standard for Forensic DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocols........................... 14

Figure 9. DNA Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the three 

published DNA standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)...................................................................... 14

Figure 10. ASB Technical Report 033, Terms and Definitions in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis................................ 15

Figure 11. ASTM E2916-19e1 Standard Terminology for Digital and Multimedia Evidence Examination ............. 16

Figure 12. ASTM E3017-19 Standard Practice for Examining Magnetic Card Readers........................................... 16

Figure 13. ASTM E3150-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Audio Lab Setup and Maintenance ............................... 17

Figure 14. Digital Evidence Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the 

three published digital evidence standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021).......................................... 17

Figure 15. ASB Technical Report 025, Crime Scene/Death Investigation - Dogs and Sensors - Terms and 

Definitions ............................................................................................................................................................... 18

Figure 16. ASTM E3115-17 Standard Guide for Capturing Facial Images for Use with Facial Recognition Systems

................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

Figure 17. ASTM E3148-18 Standard Guide for Postmortem Facial Image Capture............................................... 19

Figure 18. ASTM E3149-18 Standard Guide for Facial Image Comparison Feature List for Morphological Analysis

................................................................................................................................................................................. 20

Figure 19. Facial Identification Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of

the three published facial identification standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021).............................. 20

Figure 20. NFPA 921:2017 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations................................................................. 21

Figure 21. NFPA 1033:2014 Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigator................................... 21

Figure 22. Fire and Explosion Investigation Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 

respondents) of the two published fire and explosion investigation standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 

2021)........................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Figure 23. ASTM E1388-17 Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples

................................................................................................................................................................................. 23

Figure 24. ASTM E1412-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris 

Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with Activated Charcoal................................................................ 23

Figure 25. ASTM E1413-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris 

Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube............................................................. 24
49

Figure 26. ASTM E3189-19 Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris 

Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube.................................................................. 24

Figure 27. Fire Debris Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the four 

published fire debris standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021) ............................................................ 24

Figure 28. ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy for 

Comprehensive Searches of Essential Automated Fingerprint Identification System Databases.......................... 26

Figure 29. ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 010, Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification: 

Best Practice Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority............................................................................ 26

Figure 30. Medicolegal Death Investigation Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 

respondents) of the two published medicolegal death investigation standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 

2021)........................................................................................................................................................................ 27

Figure 31. ANSI/ADA 1058-2010D Forensic Dental Data Set.................................................................................. 28

Figure 32. ADA 1088-2017D Human Identification by Comparative Dental Analysis............................................. 28

Figure 33. Odontology Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the two 

published odontology standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021) .......................................................... 29

Figure 34. ASTM E2329-17 Standard Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs................................................... 30

Figure 35. ASTM E2548-11e Standard Guide for Sampling Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

................................................................................................................................................................................. 30

Figure 36. Seized Drug Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the two 

published seized drug standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021) .......................................................... 31

Figure 37. ANSI/ASB Standard 017, Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology .... 33

Figure 38. ANSI/ASB Standard 036, Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology ................ 33

Figure 39. ANSI/ASB Best Practice Recommendation 037, Guidelines for Opinions and Testimony in Forensic 

Toxicology................................................................................................................................................................ 33

Figure 40. ANSI/ASB Standard 053, Standard for Report Content in Forensic Toxicology ..................................... 33

Figure 41. Toxicology Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the four 

published toxicology standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021) ............................................................ 34

Figure 42. ASTM E1610-18 Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison ..................................... 37

Figure 43. ASTM E1967-19 Standard Test Method for the Automated Determination of Refractive Index of Glass 

Samples Using the Oil Immersion Method and a Phase Contrast Microscope....................................................... 37

Figure 44. ASTM E2330-19 Standard Test Method for Determination of Concentrations of Elements in Glass 

Samples Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) for Forensic Comparisons................... 37

Figure 45. ASTM E2926-17 Standard Test Method for Forensic Comparison of Glass Using Micro X-ray 

Fluorescence (μ-XRF) Spectrometry........................................................................................................................ 37

Figure 46. ASTM E2927-16e1 Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime Glass 

Samples Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Comparisons.......... 38

Figure 47. ASTM E2937-18 Standard Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations...... 38

Figure 48. ASTM E3085-17 Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape 

Examinations........................................................................................................................................................... 38

Figure 49. ASTM E3233-20 Standard Practice for Forensic Tape Analysis Training Program................................. 38

Figure 50. ASTM E3234-20 Standard Practice for Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program................................. 39

Figure 51. Trace Materials Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the 

nine published trace materials standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021)............................................. 39

Figure 52. ANSI/ASB Standard 019, Wildlife Forensics General Standards ............................................................ 41
50

Figure 53. ANSI/ASB Standard 028, Wildlife Forensics Morphology Standards ..................................................... 41

Figure 54. ANSI/ASB Standard 029, Report Writing in Wildlife Forensics: Morphology and Genetics................... 42

Figure 55. ANSI/ASB Standard 047, Wildlife Forensics Validation Standard—Validating New Primers for 

Sequencing .............................................................................................................................................................. 42

Figure 56. Wildlife Forensics Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the 

four published wildlife forensics standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021).......................................... 42

Figure 57. ANSI/NIST ITL-1: 2011, Data Format for the Interchange of Fingerprint, Facial & Other Biometric 

Information.............................................................................................................................................................. 44

Figure 58. ASTM E2917-19a Standard Practice for Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, 

and Professional Development Programs............................................................................................................... 44

Figure 59. ISO/IEC 17020:2012 Conformity Assessment—Requirements for the Operation of Various Types of 

Bodies Performing Inspection ................................................................................................................................. 45

Figure 60. ISO/IEC 17025:2005 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration 

Laboratories............................................................................................................................................................. 45

Figure 61. ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration 

Laboratories............................................................................................................................................................. 45

Figure 62. ISO 21043-2 Forensic Sciences – Part 2: Recognition, recording, collecting transport and storage of 

items........................................................................................................................................................................ 45

Figure 63. Interdisciplinary Summary: Rollup of total number of implementers (out of 155 respondents) of the 

six published interdisciplinary standards on the OSAC Registry (as of March 2021).............................................. 46