Factsheets
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. These factsheets summarize the contents of technical and professional forensic science standards on the OSAC Registry. They are not intended to provide an interpretation for any portion of a published standard.
Anthropology
- ANSI/ASB BPR 089, Best Practice Recommendation for Facial Approximation in Forensic Anthropology
- ANSI/ASB Std 134-2021, Standard for Analyzing Pathological Conditions and Anomalies in Forensic Anthropology
- ANSI/ASB Std 135-2023, Scene Detection and Processing in Forensic Anthropology
- ANSI/ASB Std 146-2021, Standard for Resolving Commingled Remains in Forensic Anthropology
Biology/DNA
- ANSI/ASB Std 018, Standard for Validation of Probabilistic Genotyping Systems
- ANSI/ASB Std 020, Standard for Validation Studies of DNA Mixtures, and Development and Verification of a Laboratory’s Mixture Interpretation Protocol
- ANSI/ASB Std 022, Standard for Forensic DNA Analysis Training Programs
- ANSI/ASB Std 023, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Isolation and Purification Methods
- ANSI/ASB Std 038, Standard for Internal Validation of Forensic DNA Analysis Methods
- ANSI/ASB Std 040, Standard for Forensic DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocols
- ANSI/ASB Std 077, Standard for the Developmental and Internal Validation of Forensic Serological Methods
- ANSI/ASB Std 110, Standards for Training in Forensic Serological Methods
- ANSI/ASB BPR 114, Best Practice Recommendations for Internal Validation of Software used in Forensic DNA Laboratories
- ANSI/ASB Std 115, Standard for Training in Forensic Short Tandem Repeat Typing Methods Using Amplification, DNA Separation, and Allele Detection
- ANSI/ASB Std 116, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Quantification Methods
- ANSI/ASB Std 123-2024, Standard for Routine Internal Evaluation of a Laboratory's DNA Interpretation and Comparison Protocol
- ANSI/ASB Std 130, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Amplification Methods for Subsequent Capillary Electrophoresis Sequencing
- ANSI/ASB Std 131, Standard for Training in Forensic DNA Sequencing using Capillary Electrophoresis
- ANSI/ASB Std 140, Standard for Training in Forensic Human Mitochondrial DNA Analysis, Interpretation, Statistical Evaluation, and Reporting
- ANSI/ASB Std 154, Standard for Training on Testimony for Forensic Biology
- ANSI/ASB BPR 171, Best Practice Recommendations for the Management and Use of Quality Assurance DNA Elimination Databases in Forensic DNA Analysis
- ANSI/ASB Std 175, Standard for Interpreting, Comparing and Reporting DNA Test Results Associated with Failed Controls and Contamination Events
Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- ANSI/ASB Std 032, Standards for a Bloodstain Pattern Analyst’s Training Program
- ANSI/ASB Std 157-2024, Required Components for a Proficiency Testing Program in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- ANSI/ASB Std 158, Standard for Developing Standard Operating Procedures in Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2022-S-0030, Standard Methodology for Bloodstain Pattern Analysis
Crime Scene Investigation
- ANSI/ASB Std 159 – 2024, Standard for Scene Investigation and Reconstruction - Foundational Principles
- ANSI/ASB BPR 160-2024, Best Practice Recommendation for Initial Response at Scenes by Law Enforcement Officers
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2021-N-0019, Standard Practice for the Documentation and Processing of Shooting Scenes
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2022-N-0025, Standard for Scene Response: Initial Response by Scene Investigators
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2022-N-0035, Standard for On-Scene Collection and Preservation of Document Evidence
Digital Evidence
- ANSI/ASTM E3017-19, Standard Practice for Examining Magnetic Card Readers
- ANSI/ASTM E3150-18(2023), Standard Guide for Forensic Audio Laboratory Setup and Maintenance
- SWGDE 18-Q-001-1.0, Minimum Requirements for Testing Tools used in Digital and Multimedia Forensics
- SWGDE 21-F-001-1.1, Best Practices for Acquiring Online Content
- SWGDE 22-F-002, Best Practices for Chromebook Acquisition and Analysis
- SWGDE 23-F-005-1.0, SWGDE Best Practices Apple MacOS Forensic Acquisition
Dogs and Sensors
- ANSI/ASB Std 024, Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Humans: Location Check Using Pre-scented Canines
- ANSI/ASB Std 026, Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Humans: An Aged Trail Using Pre-scented Canines
- ANSI/ASB Std 027, Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Humans: Patrol Canine Team
- ANSI/ASB Std 085, Standard for Detection Canine Selection, Kenneling and Healthcare
- ANSI/ASB Std 088, General Guidelines for Training, Certification, and Documentation of Canine Detection Disciplines
- ANSI/ASB Std 092, Standard for Training and Certification of Canine Detection of Explosives
Facial Identification
- ANSI/ASTM E3115-17(2023), Standard Guide for Capturing Facial Images for Use with Facial Recognition Systems
- ANSI/ASTM E3148-18, Standard Guide for Postmortem Facial Image Capture
- ANSI/ASTM E3149-18, Standard Guide for Facial Image Comparison Feature List for Morphological Analy
- OSAC 2020-S-0002, Physical Stability of Facial Features of Adults | OSAC Proposed Standard
- OSAC 2022-S-0001, Standard Guide for Image Comparison Opinions | OSAC Proposed Standard
- OSAC 2022-S-0007, Standard Guide for Facial Comparison: Overview and Methodology Guidelines | OSAC Proposed Standard
- OSAC 2021-N-0025, Standard Guide for Printing Method Effects on Facial Comparisons | OSAC Proposed Standard
- OSAC 2021-N-0035, Standard Guide for Scanning Facial Images for Manual Comparison | OSAC Proposed Standard
Fire Debris& Explosives
- ANSI/ASTM E1386-23, Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent Extraction
- ANSI/ASTM E1388-24, Standard Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples
- ANSI/ASTM E1412-19, Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with Active Charcoal
- ANSI/ASTM E1413-19, Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube
- ANSI/ASTM E2451-21, Standard Practice for Preserving Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable Liquid Residue Extracts from Fire Debris Samples
- ANSI/ASTM E3189-19, Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube
- ANSI/ASTM E3245-20e1, Standard Guide for Systematic Approach to the Extraction, Analysis, and Classification of Ignitable Liquids and Ignitable Liquid Residues in Fire Debris Samples
- ANSI/ASTM E3253-21, Standard Practice for Establishing an Examination Scheme for Intact Explosives
- ANSI/ASTM E3329-21, Standard Practice for Establishing an Examination Scheme for Explosive Residues
Firearms and Toolmarks
- ANSI/ASB BPR 060, Guidelines for Barrel and Overall Length Measurements of Firearms
- ANSI/ASB Std 061, Firearms and Toolmarks 3D Measurement Systems and Measurement Quality Control
- ANSI/ASB Std 062, Standard for Topography Comparison Software for Toolmark Analysis
- ANSI/ASB Std 063, Implementation of 3D Technologies in Forensic Firearm and Toolmark Comparison Laboratories
- ANSI/ASB Std 068, Safe Handling of Firearms and Ammunition
- ANSI/ASB Std 093, Standard Test Method for the Examination and Testing of Firearms
- ANSI/ASB Std 096, Standard Method for the Examination and Documentation of Ammunition and Ammunition Components
- ANSI/ASB BPR 107, Best Practice Recommendation for Measuring Trigger Pull of a Firearm and Estimating Its Uncertainty
- ANSI/ASB Std 162-2024, Standard for the Forensic Examination and Documentation of Non-Firearm Tools and Non-Firearm Toolmarks
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2023-S-0028, Best Practice Recommendations for the Resolution of Conflicts in Toolmark Value Determinations and Source Conclusions
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2024-S-0002, Standard Test Method for the Examination and Comparison of Toolmarks for Source Attribution
Footwear and Tiremarks
- ANSI/ASB BPR 021, Best Practices for the Preparation of Test Impressions from Footwear and Tires
- ANSI/ASB BPR 049, Best Practice Recommendation for Lifting of Footwear and Tire Impressions
- ANSI/ASB BPR 050, Best Practice Recommendation for Photographic Documentation of Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence
- ASB TR 051, Scope of Work for a Footwear/Tire Examiner
- ANSI/ASB BPR 052, Best Practice Recommendation for the Detection and Collection of Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence
- ANSI/ASB Std 095, Standard for Minimum Qualifications and Training for a Footwear/Tire Forensic Science Service Provider
- ANSI/ASB BPR 126, Best Practice Recommendation for Casting Footwear and Tire Impression Evidence at the Crime Scene
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2023-S-0017, Standard for the Articulation of Footwear and Tire Interpretations
Forensic Document Examination
- ANSI/ASB Std 011, Scope of Expertise in Forensic Document Examination
- ANSI/ASB Std 044, Standard for Examination of Documents for Indentations
- ANSI/ASB Std 128-2022, Standard for the Preservation and Examination of Liquid Soaked Documents
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2022-S-0034, Standard for the Expression of Source Opinions in Forensic Document Examination
Friction Ridge
- ANSI/ASB BPR 142, Best Practice Recommendations for the Resolution of Conflicts in Friction Ridge Examination
- ANSI/ASB Std 145-2023, Standard for Consultation During Friction Ridge Examination
- ANSI/ASTM E3235-21, Standard Practice for Latent Print Evidence Imaging Resolution
- OSAC 2021-N-0020, Best Practice Recommendations for Limited Examinations | OSAC Proposed Standard
- OSAC 2022-S-0012, Standard for Proficiency Testing in Friction Ridge Examination | OSAC Proposed Standard
- OSAC 2022-N-0033, Standard for Processing Evidence for the Detection of Friction Ridge Impressions | OSAC Proposed Standard
- OSAC 2022-S-0038, Standard for Feature Selection in Friction Ridge Examination | OSAC Proposed Standard
Gunshot Residue
- ANSI/ASTM E1588-20, Standard Practice for Gunshot Residue Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry
- ANSI/ASTM E3284-23, Standard Practice for Training in the Forensic Examination of Primer Gunshot Residue (pGSR) Using Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive XRay Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)
- ANSI/ASTM E3309-21, Standard Guide for Reporting of Forensic Primer Gunshot Residue (pGSR) Analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectrometry (SEM/EDS)
Medicolegal Death Investigation
- ANSI/ASB BPR 007, Postmortem Impression Submission Strategy for Comprehensive Searches of Essential Automated Fingerprint Identification System Databases
- ANSI/ASB BPR 008, Mass Fatality Scene Processing: Best Practice Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority
- ANSI/ASB BPR 009, Best Practice Recommendations for the Examination of Human Remains by Forensic Pathologists in the Disaster Victim Identification Context
- ANSI/ASB BPR 010, Forensic Anthropology in Disaster Victim Identification: Best Practice Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority
- ANSI/ASB BPR 094, Postmortem Impression Recovery: Guidance and Best Practices for Disaster Victim Identification
- ANSI/ASB BPR 108, Forensic Odontology in Disaster Victim Identification: Best Practice Recommendations for the Medicolegal Authority, First Edition, 2018
- ANSI/ASB Std 125, Organizational and Foundational Standard for Medicolegal Death Investigation
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2023-N-0022, Best Practice Recommendations for Communicating with Next of Kin During Medicolegal Death Investigations
Seized Drugs
- ANSI/ASTM E1968-19, Standard Practice for Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis for Cocaine
- ANSI/ASTM E1969-19, Standard Practice for Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis for Methamphetamine and Amphetamine
- ANSI/ASTM E2125-19, Standard Practice for Microcrystal Testing in Forensic Analysis for Phencyclidine and Its Analogues
- ANSI/ASTM E2329-17, Standard Practice for Identification of Seized Drugs
- ANSI/ASTM E2548-16, Standard Guide for Sampling Seized Drugs for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis
- ANSI/ASTM E2882-19, Standard Guide for Analysis of Clandestine Drug Laboratory Evidence
Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB Std 017-2025, Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB Std 036, Standard Practices for Method Validation in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB BPR 037, Guidelines for Opinions and Testimony in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB Std 053, Standard for Report Content in Forensic Toxicology, First Edition, 2020
- ANSI/ASB Std 054, Standard for a Quality Control Program in Forensic Toxicology Laboratories, First Edition, 2021
- ANSI/ASB Std 055-2024, Standard for Breath Alcohol Measuring Instrument Calibration
- ANSI/ASB Std 056-2025, Standard for Evaluation of Measurement Uncertainty in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB Std 098, Standard for Mass Spectral Analysis in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB Std 113, Standard for Identification Criteria in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB Std 119, The Analytical Scope and Sensitivity of Forensic Toxicological Testing of Blood in Medicolegal Death Investigations
- ANSI/ASB Std 120, The Analytical Scope and Sensitivity of Forensic Toxicological Testing of Blood in Impaired Driving Investigations
- ANSI/ASB Std 121, The Analytical Scope and Sensitivity of Forensic Toxicological Testing of Urine in Drug-Facilitated Crime Investigations
- ANSI/ASB BPR 122, Best Practice Recommendation for Performing Alcohol Calculations in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASB Std 152, Standard for the Minimum Content Requirements of Forensic Toxicology Procedures, First Edition, 2021
- ANSI/ASB Std 153-2023, Standard Practices for Proficiency Testing for Forensic Toxicology Laboratories and Breath Alcohol Programs
- ANSI/ASB BPR 156, Best Practices for Specimen Collection and Preservation for Forensic Toxicology
Trace Evidence
- ANSI/ASTM E1610-18, Standard Guide for Forensic Paint Analysis and Comparison
- ANSI/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
- ANSI/ASTM E2224-23a, Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Fibers by Infrared Spectroscopy
- ANSI/ASTM E2225-23, Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Fabrics and Cordage
- ANSI/ASTM E2227-23e1, Guide for Forensic Examination of Dyes in Textile Fibers by Thin-Layer Chromatography
- ANSI/ASTM E2228-23a, Standard Guide for Microscopical Examination of Textile Fibers
- ANSI/ASTM E2808-21, Standard Guide for Microspectrophotometry in Forensic Paint Analysis
- ANSI/ASTM E2809-22, Standard Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto an Adsorbent Tube
- ANSI/ASTM E2926-17, Standard Test Method for Forensic Comparison of Glass Using Micro X-ray Fluorescence (μXRF) Spectrometry
- ANSI/ASTM E2927-23, Standard Test Method for Determination of Trace Elements in Soda-Lime Glass Samples Using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for Forensic Comparisons
- ANSI/ASTM E2937-18, Standard Guide for Using Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Paint Examinations
- ANSI/ASTM E3085-17, Standard Guide for Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Forensic Tape Examinations
- ANSI/ASTM E3175-23, Standard Practice for Training in the Forensic Examination of Hair by Microscopy
- ANSI/ASTM E3233-20, Forensic Tape Analysis Training Program
- ANSI/ASTM E3234-20, Standard Practice for a Forensic Paint Analysis Training Program
- ANSI/ASTM E3254-23, Standard Practice for Use of Color in the Visual Examination and Forensic Comparison of Soil Samples
- ANSI/ASTM E3260-21, Standard Guide for forensic Examination and Comparison of Pressure Sensitive Tapes
- ANSI/ASTM E3272-23, Standard Guide for the Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal Forensic Applications
- ANSI/ASTM E3294-23, Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Geological Materials by Powder X-Ray Diffraction
- ANSI/ASTM E3295-23, Standard Guide for Using Micro X-Ray Fluorescence (μ-XRF) in Forensic Polymer Examinations
- ANSI/ASTM E3296-22, Standard Guide for Using Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry in Forensic Polymer Examinations.
- ANSI/ASTM E3316-22, Standard Guide for Forensic Examination of Hair by Microscopy
- ANSI/ASTM E3392-24, Standard Guide for Forensic Physical Fit Examination
Video/Imaging Technology and Analysis
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2021-S-0013, Standard Guide for Post Mortem Examination Photography
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2021-S-0027, Standard Guide for Laboratory Photography
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2021-S-0037, Standard Guide for Forensic Photogrammetry
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2022-S-0001, Standard Guide for Image Comparison Opinions
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2023-N-0001, Standard Practice for Training in the Areas of Video Analysis, Image Analysis, and Photography
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2023-S-0006, Standard Guide for Photographing Scars, Marks, and Tattoos
Wildlife
- ANSI/ASB Std 019, Wildlife Forensics General Standards
- ANSI/ASB Std 028, Wildlife Forensics Morphology Standards
- ANSI/ASB Std 029, Report Writing in Wildlife Forensics: Morphology and Genetics
- ANSI/ASB Std 047, Wildlife Forensics Validation Standard - Validating New Primers for Sequencing
- ANSI/ASB Std 138, Standard for Collection of Known DNA Samples from Domestic Mammals
Archived Factsheets
- ANSI/ASB Std 017-2017, Standard Practices for Measurement Traceability in Forensic Toxicology
- ANSI/ASTM E1388-17, Standard Practice for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from Fire Debris Samples
- ANSI/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
- ANSI/ASTM E2917-19a, Forensic Science Practitioner Training, Continuing Education, and Professional Development Programs
- ANSI/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
- ANSI/ASTM E3115-17, Standard Guide for Capturing Facial Images for Use with Facial Recognition Systems
- ANSI/ASTM E3150-18, Standard Guide for Forensic Audio Laboratory Setup and Maintenance
- ANSI/ASTM E3272−21, Standard Guide for Collection of Soils and Other Geological Evidence for Criminal Forensic Applications
- ANSI/ASTM E3294-22, Standard Guide for Forensic Analysis of Geological Materials by Powder X-Ray Diffraction
- NFPA 921: 2017, Guide to Fire and Explosion Investigations
- NFPA 1033: 2014, Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Investigations
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2021-N-0015, Guiding Principles for Scene Investigation and Reconstruction
- OSAC Proposed Standard | OSAC 2021-N-0016, Standard for Initial Response at Scenes by Law Enforcement