Elements and Performance Criteria
- Establish client needs and schedule analysis
- Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures
- Record sample description, compare with specification and record and report discrepancies and evaluate to determine if further samples are required
- Evaluate samples and select appropriate laboratory procedure from accepted standard forensic techniques and validated scientific methods
- Identify the possible need to modify enterprise techniques or methods, for example, to ensure recovery of sample materials
- Seek advice from supervisor about any proposed variations and document all approved changes according to the enterprise quality system and judicial requirements
- Schedule analysis using enterprise procedures
- Prepare samples and standards
- Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample to examine or test
- Prepare validation checks and/or calibration standards for analytical portions
- Perform analysis
- Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples
- Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data
- Perform tests in appropriate timeframes and at appropriate cost
- Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results
- Process and analyse data
- Perform any required calculations and ensure results are consistent with standards or estimations and expectations
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Ensure the safe disposal of laboratory wastes
- Maintain laboratory records and report results
- Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to enterprise quality system and judicial requirements
- Maintain equipment logs in accordance with enterprise procedures
- Maintain security, integrity and traceability of samples and documentation
- Prepare reports for presentation of evidence and communicate results to appropriate personnel