Iraq’s forensic DNA laboratory to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation

 Iraq’s forensic DNA laboratory to obtain ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation

A lab technician in a forensic medicine lab in Iraq. Photo: Iraqi Health Ministry

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Medico-Legal Directorate (MLD) Forensic DNA Laboratory in Baghdad, with support from the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/ISIL (UNITAD), launched a two-year project to be ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.

A statement issued by UNITAD mentioned that this accreditation is essential for adhering to the worldwide quality standard, particularly since criminal justice procedures rely on the findings of forensic testing laboratories.

The research began in September with a thorough assessment of all the laboratory components that go into creating accurate and trustworthy data by the renowned forensic DNA laboratory, BODE Technologies.

The accreditation will provide Iraq’s forensic DNA laboratory with an opportunity to improve the accuracy of test results, streamline the process of measuring and calibrating to optimal standards, preserve test equipment records, validate and correct test and calibration methods, and cut down on needless expenses.

Additionally, the accreditation would expedite the precise identification of the remains of ISIS victims, providing some comfort to their grieving relatives.