An evaluation of quality and standardization of illegal substance analysing forensic laboratories in turkey

Improvement of the quality assurance in forensic toxicology is crucial for making rightful decisions in the judgment system. The identification of illegal substances in biological samples and both qualitative and quantitative determination of certain molecular structures are carried out by forensic toxicologists. To help more precise decision making, some professional organizations in Europe, USA and all over the world provide guidelines that are updated at certain times for assurance of the analysis. Although these guidelines are currently successful in many aspects, they still lacks of some features. This study was designed to provide a general assessment of the standards and guidelines for the forensic toxicology laboratory in our country and the world. The existing directives and guidelines prepared by major forensic toxicology associations in the world have been examined and applications in our country have been evaluated. While in these guidelines basic information on the process of identification of substances is available, they are not the mandatory standards to be applied. The existing systems provide the general backbone for qualitative analysis, however they show that there are deficiencies on the scientific and statistical basis. Guidelines also include sections on such as personal, sample, laboratory organization, laboratory analysis procedures, quality assurance / control and interpretation of results. The information contained in these guidelines helps laboratories working in the field of forensic toxicology. However, these guidelines are insufficient to avoid misrepresentation. Proven quality improvement tools and techniques should be used in laboratories and the laboratories should also join in the accreditation programs to understand and prioritize these issues and make necessary changes to the service of forensic toxicology laboratories. Special approaches and applications have been demonstrated to be necessary when differences between toxicology laboratories are considered in the context of the service areas they provide (probations, substance testing in trafficking, substance testing in sexual assault ext.). The rising expectations on the field of forensic sciences has made it necessary to adopt to the increasing potential quality standards, increasing communication and awareness, human/patient rights, cost pressures, private insurance, justice reforms, technological and scientific progress. In line with specific approaches on forensic toxicology, guidelines for the relevant sub-areas need to be developed and applied in accordance with the circumstances of our country.