ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
Including for the administration of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology.
Search the ANAB directory (opens in a new tab)Forensic laboratories
Accreditation status, current and historical, for crime laboratories under the Commission's jurisdiction.
About this database
This section of the Commission's database shows the status, both current and historical, of a crime laboratory's accreditation with the Commission. The term crime laboratory includes public and private laboratories and any entity that conducts a forensic analysis subject to the Commission's jurisdiction.
Accreditation is required for evidence
The Code of Criminal Procedure prohibits forensic analysis from being admitted into evidence in a criminal action if the crime laboratory or entity was not accredited at the time the analysis was performed.
Recognized accrediting bodies
Under its accreditation authority, the Commission recognizes two national accrediting bodies. Laboratories accredited by either one are eligible for accreditation by the Commission.
-
-
Search the A2LA directory (opens in a new tab)
American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
Disciplines subject to accreditation in Texas
Both recognized accrediting bodies accredit laboratories in all five disciplines.
- Forensic biology / DNA
- Firearms / toolmarks
- Seized drugs
- Toxicology
- Materials (trace)
Commission oversight
-
Report accreditor communications
Laboratories report all communications with their national accrediting body, including each annual renewal report or audit.
-
Set timeliness standards
The Commission establishes standards for the timely production of forensic analysis.
-
Validate methods
The Commission validates or approves specific forensic methods and methodologies.
-
Improve quality
The Commission sets procedures, policies and practices to improve the quality of forensic analysis.
Federal forensic laboratories
Federal forensic laboratories are deemed accredited by the Commission without applying, provided they are accredited by a recognized accrediting body under §651.4 of the Texas Administrative Code (List of Recognized Accrediting Bodies).
A laboratory deemed accredited is not subject to the Commission's reporting requirements or its complaint, review or administrative action processes, and therefore is not listed in this database.
See Texas Administrative Code §651.8(e) (opens in a new tab)Find an accredited laboratory
Look up a laboratory's current and historical accreditation status.