Regulation .08 Examination and Analysis.
Regulation .08 Examination and Analysis.LinkCopy Citation
A.
A licensee shall develop, establish, maintain, implement, and follow examination and analysis procedures.
B.
A licensee shall:
(1)
Ensure that all evidence is given a unique identifier;
(2)
Ensure that, when computers or automated equipment are used for the processing, recording, reporting, storage, or retrieval of examination or analysis data:
(a)
Computer software is validated;
(b)
Procedures are established and maintained to protect and secure the data; and
(c)
Computers and automated equipment are maintained to ensure proper functioning;
(3)
Have a policy for securing short-term and long-term storage of documents, evidence, and reports, which includes:
(a)
Limited access; and
(b)
Environmental controls;
(4)
Ensure each individual sub-sample has a unique identifier, when evidentiary samples are subdivided;
(5)
Ensure that all positive comparative analyses are verified by a second independent qualified examiner or analyst who has documented expertise in the examination that was performed, and the verification is documented; and
(6)
Have a policy for securing evidence that is in the process of being examined or analyzed.
C.
Examinations and Analysis by Subcontractors.
(1)
All subcontractors shall be licensed as a forensic laboratory in the State, regardless of location, unless a waiver has been obtained for a rare or unique test as required by COMAR 10.51.03.01A(4).
(2)
A licensee shall ensure:
(a)
The customer who ordered the analyses is notified of the laboratory’s intention to subcontract specific services for testing;
(b)
All subcontractors issue reports only to the forensic laboratory that ordered the testing; and
(c)
All remaining evidence is returned to the forensic laboratory by the subcontractor.