The CaDNAP Proficiency Test: A Quality Control Instrument for Performance Monitoring the Forensic Analysis of Canine DNA

Berger,B.; Berger,C.; Hecht,W.; Hellmann,A.; Rohleder,U.; Schleenbecker,U.; Morf,N.; Parson,W.

Identity testing of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) has repeatedly demonstrated its capability to add relevant information to forensic cases and plays a leading role in setting quality standards for non-human DNA typing. However, canine DNA analysis is miles away from being widespread practice. That in turn means that the laboratories concerned operate isolated from others and have limited opportunities to compare their competence. Errors, bias or significant methodical differences might have serious consequences. Therefore, appropriate procedures are necessary to counteract these potential risks, if possible in advance. In order to meet this issue the Canine DNA Profiling (CaDNAP) group has successfully performed validation studies including interlaboratory comparisons for specified canine STRs [1]. According to ISO/IEC 17025 a laboratory shall have quality control procedures in place such as the participation in proficiency tests (PT). Proficiency testing is defined as the determination of a laboratory’s testing performance against pre-established criteria by means of i nterlaboratory comparisons providing an independent appraisal to reference values.