ASB Newsletter – May 22, 2026
Newly Published Standards from the ASB!
The following documents have recently been approved for publication and are available on the ASB website:
- ANSI/ASB Standard 079, Standard for Training in the use of Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), First Edition, 2026
This standard provides the requirements for a forensic DNA laboratory's training program (casework and database) in the use of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This document excludes software training for CODIS users and required training for CODIS administrators. - ANSI/ASB Standard 080, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Reporting and Review, First Edition, 2026
This standard provides the requirements for a forensic DNA laboratory's training program: 1) preparing forensic DNA reports and/or notifications; and 2) performing technical and/or administrative reviews on forensic DNA case records and reports. - ANSI/ASB Standard 091, Standard for Training in Analysis of Forensic Short Tandem Repeat (STR) DNA Data, First Edition, 2026
This standard provides the requirements for a forensic DNA laboratory's training program for analysis of capillary electrophoresis data including autosomal STRs, X-STRs and Y-STRs. - ANSI/ASB Standard 136, Forensic Laboratory Standard for Prevention, Monitoring, and Mitigation of Human DNA Contamination, First Edition, 2026
This standard provides requirements for limiting, detecting, assessing the source of, and mitigating the effect of DNA contamination as applied to polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based human DNA analysis conducted within a forensic laboratory (i.e., casework including Rapid DNA and DNA database).
To date, the ASB has published over 140 Standards/Best Practice Recommendations and Technical Reports. All ASB standards can be accessed through the ASB site.
ASB Documents Open for Public Comment
The ASB encourages all interested parties to provide comments on documents in progress.
The following documents are open for public comment:
- Recirculation* - ASB Standard 030, Standard for a Quality Assurance Program in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis, Second Edition (Comment Deadline, July 6, 2026)
- Recirculation* - ASB Standard 173, Standard for Education, Training, Continuing Education, and Certification of Forensic Toxicology Laboratory Personnel (Comment Deadline, May 25, 2026)
- Recirculation - ASB Std 185, Standard for Proficiency Testing in Friction Ridge Examination (Comment Deadline, June 8, 2026)
During adjudication of initial public comments, many changes were made to the original technical report. Both substantive and significant reorganization changes were made to provide clarity. The reader should review the Updated Document in its entirety (i.e., consider this as a new document). Comments will be considered for all portions of the Updated Document when commenters follow the ASB process of comment submission. - Recirculation* - ASB Standard 186, Standard for Forensic Autosomal STR DNA Statistical Analyses (Comment Deadline, June 15, 2026)
- Recirculation* - ASB Standard 199, Standard for Familial DNA Searching (Comment Deadline, June 15, 2026)
- ASB BPR 212, Best Practice Recommendation for Stature Estimation in Forensic Anthropology (Comment Deadline, June 8, 2026)
- ASB TR 224, Technical Report for Task-relevant Information in Friction Ridge Examination (Comment Deadline, July 6, 2026)
* Please note that comments on a recirculation will only be accepted on revised sections of a document, comments made to text not revised from the previous public comment period will not be accepted.
The documents and additional information on the ASB can be accessed through the ASB website
Project Initiation Notification
The following proposed documents have recently been approved by the ASB for work:
- ASB Std 031-202x, Standard for Report Writing in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis (revision of ANSI/ASB Std 031-2020)
PINS response end date of 6/21/2026 - ASB Std 106-202x, Standard for Protein Serology for Taxonomic Identification in Wildlife Forensics (revision of ANSI/ASB Std 106-2020)
PINS response end date of 5/24/2026 - ASB BPR 118-202x, Best Practice Recommendations for Breath Alcohol Instrument Specifications (new standard)
PINS response end date of 5/24/2026 - ASB Std 119-202x, Standard for the Analytical Scope and Sensitivity of Forensic Toxicological Testing in Medicolegal Death Investigations (revision of ANSI/ASB Std 119-2021)
PINS response end date of 5/24/2026 - ASB Std 120-202x, Standard for the Analytical Scope and Sensitivity of Forensic Toxicological Testing of Blood in Impaired Driving Investigations (revision of ANSI/ASB Std 120-2021)
PINS response end date of 5/24/2026 - ASB Std 121-202x, Standard for the Analytical Scope and Sensitivity of Forensic Toxicological Testing of Urine and Blood in Drug-Facilitated Crime Investigations (revision of ANSI/ASB Std 121-2021)
PINS response end date of 5/24/2026 - ASB Std 180-202x, Standard for the Selection and Evaluation of GenBank® Results for Taxonomic Assignment of Wildlife (revision of ANSI/ASB Std 180-2024)
PINS response end date of 6/14/2026
Upcoming AAFS Standards Webinars
Demystifying ISO 21043: An Introduction to ISO 21043, Parts 1 and 2
This webinar (part 2 in a five-part series) will introduce attendees to ISO 21043 Parts 1 and 2 which cover vocabulary and recognition, recording, collecting, transport and storage of items respectively. In brief, Part 1 is essentially a decoder ring which sets the foundation for terms used throughout all five parts. Common terminology is critical for any standardized process, and this part serves as the basis for tying these documents together through harmonization of language. Part 2 opens the gateway to the forensic process by setting requirements for the recognition, collection, and preservation of physical evidence.
Speakers: Erin Forry, Senior Forensic Solutions Architect, SNA International and Michael Kessler, FCSFS, CCSA, Principal Consultant, Kessler Forensic Solutions, LLC
Target Audience: Interdisciplinary
Knowledge Level Required: Basic
Register Now!
ASTM E1732-25e1 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Sciences
ASTM E1732-25e1 is the master terminology standard for all ASTM E30 standards. E1732 was first published in 1996 and was reformatted in 2024. The standard is updated at least two times per year. This standard for terminology is published by ASTM International. Join us for a deep dive into E1732 and learn about its history and evolution, the other "master" terminology standards in E30, and the Subcommittee's plans for continuous improvement.
Speaker: Karen K. Reczek, MLS, Social Scientist, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Target Audience: Interdisciplinary
Knowledge Level Required: Basic
Register Now!
Order Your Very Own ASB 10-year Anniversary Gear!
The ASB now has a Lands End Business Store! Choose your item and Apply Logo to add the special limited time 10-year Anniversary Logo! Visit the Storefront!
ASB Standards Included FIU Research Forensic Library
This library is a curated collection of publicly-accessible articles, reports, drug monographs, controlled substance notifications, historical documents, and other material relating to every discipline of the forensic sciences. The Library provides access to groundbreaking research and to historical articles, all available for free. There are currently over 7,600 articles and reports in the library, with more added every day. Visit the Library here!
Checklists Available on Forensic Standards
These Checklists provide a tool to allow a forensic science service provider to evaluate the level of standard implementation and/or audit conformance to a standard. Each checklist, provided in Excel, uses a standardized format that also allows flexibility when used. Checklists are in continuous production with more coming soon! Visit the AAFS Standards Resources and Training site to access the Checklists!
AAFS Factsheets on ASB, ASTM, and NFPA Standards Available
The AAFS Standards Factsheets provide a concise summary of each standard and facilitate broader understanding, they also highlight the purpose of a standard, why it is needed, and the benefits of adoption. Factsheets are in continuous production and more are coming soon. Visit the AAFS Standards Resources and Training site for more details!
Standards Webinars on AAFS Connect
AAFS Connect is the hub of digital forensic science content provided by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. AAFS Connect hosts conference workshops, presentations, webinars, educational training, and other resources. Webinars and updates on Forensic Standards are now available in the Standards Videos portion of AAFS Connect, free of charge. Visit the AAFS Educational Webinars page for more details!
The views and opinions expressed in the articles contained in the Academy News are those of the identified authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Academy.