The scientific validity and defensibility of quantitative measurement results reported by crime laboratories and forensic testing facilities is under increasing scrutiny in light of the expanding media coverage of incidents of science misconduct in forensic analysis. The importance of analytical measurement assurance quality systems is fundamental to the accreditation of crime laboratories and other independent forensic testing laboratories. With a sound metrological cornerstone, forensic science measurement data will have scientific integrity and meaningful interpretational value, and the measurement results will be able to withstand intense scrutiny in the courtroom. This presentation provides an introductory overview of metrology and its relevance to the many facets of the overall analytical measurement process. The key metrological concepts of calibration, traceability and measurement uncertainty will be described as they apply to the determination and reporting of breath and blood alcohol content and other applications of quantitative forensic analysis. The vital interaction between analytical method validation and instrument qualification will be discussed. Selected courtroom outcomes in which metrology played a key role in the decision will be highlighted.

Chemical metrology and forensic science in the courtroom

248th National Meeting (2014)

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