Forensic DNA evidence is essential in criminal investigations; however, its interpretation is often complicated by contamination and the presence of multiple DNA profiles in a single sample. Although many laboratories follow stringent quality control and ISO 17025 standards, the pre-analytical stage, including crime scene and medical sample collection phases, lacks rigorous quality management protocols, increasing the integrity of DNA sampling and evidence handling. The UK’s Forensic Science Regulator (FSR) enforces a framework based on various ISO standards to enhance DNA evidence quality throughout its lifecycle and pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases. Key standards include ISO 17020 for crime-scene units, ISO 15189 for medical examination centers, ISO 17025 for forensic DNA labs, and ISO 18385 for forensic-grade consumables. This comprehensive approach aimed to mitigate contamination risks and ensure the reliability of forensic DNA evidence from collection to court presentation, thereby strengthening the criminal justice system and maintaining public confidence in forensic science.
