DHSS Press Release |
Date: June 12, 2008 DHSS-57-2008 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF MEDICAL EXAMINER RECEIVES ISO 17025 REACCREDIDATION
DE is one of a handful of laboratories in the nation to achieve accreditation under the ISO 17025 standards.
Wilmington, DE - Upholding the highest standards of forensic quality assurance, the Delaware Office of the Chief Medical Examiner & Forensic Sciences Laboratory has once again received ISO 17025 accreditation-the highest possible level of technical competency, quality standards and compliance for forensic examination and analysis-by Forensic Quality Services-International (FQS-I). Delaware's OCME is one of a handful of laboratories in the nation to achieve accreditation under the ISO 17025 standards.
"The accreditation from FQS-I is another testament to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's stringent, high-quality testing services" said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Richard T. Callery. "I am extremely pleased of the work spearheaded by the entire staff of the Medical Examiner's Office as it ensures that Delaware remains one of the leading medical examiner systems in the United States."
FQS-I is the United States longest established provider of ISO accreditation for forensic science testing laboratories. A facility must demonstrate the highest level of technical competency to successfully address the ever demanding needs of the medical-legal community, who are impacted by an increasing regulatory environment.
"In today's world, forensic testing agencies are under increasing scrutiny with regard to their competence to conduct analyses and report the results," explained Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Richard T. Callery. "It is not enough for an agency to self proclaim that it is competent and that the results of its testing should be accepted without question. Recognition of competence generally requires an independent evaluation of an agency's quality management system and testing. Our FQS-1 Accreditation provides this independent, formal, internationally accepted external recognition."
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner conduct analyses in the forensic disciplines of Toxicology, DNA, Controlled Substances and Arson and investigates human deaths caused by violence, suicide, or casualty; sudden death in an apparently healthy individual; and deaths that involve any suspicious or unusual manner. Staff of the OCME works closely with law enforcement agencies, and are often called to testify in criminal cases.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
