Quality management in a Brazilian forensic DNA laboratory

Abstract

This study describes the implementation of a quality management system (QMS) in the Forensic Biology and DNA Laboratory of the Technical-Scientific Police of the State of Goiás, Brazil, based on Resolution 12 of the RIBPG Steering Committee and partially aligned with ISO/IEC 17025. The implementation followed the PDCA cycle and was conducted in a local public forensic genetics laboratory responsible for criminal investigations and human identification. Standard operating procedures and management practices were progressively developed, incorporating ISO/IEC 17025 requirements where feasible and convergent. To monitor the system’s effectiveness, performance indicators (PIs) were proposed and analyzed according to the laboratory’s strategic objectives of efficiency and quality. These indicators, grouped into three domains—service, QMS, and customer—were used to assess performance from 2019 to 2022. The analysis of PIs demonstrated measurable improvements in laboratory responsiveness, traceability, service delivery times, and conformance to quality practices. The implementation also fostered a culture of continuous improvement, internal audits, and staff training. The results confirm that it is feasible to establish a robust, standards-based QMS in a public forensic context, contributing to greater reliability, credibility, and integration with national databases.