Direct comparison
Forensic Lab Accreditation vs Toxicology Cert
ANAB forensic lab accreditation (successor to ASCLD/LAB) vs ABFT toxicology certification: what each covers and how to verify a supplier or analyst.
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How do ANAB Forensic Accreditation, ABFT Toxicology Certification compare side by side?
The table below compares ANAB Forensic Accreditation, ABFT Toxicology Certification across 9 procurement-relevant dimensions, from what it verifies through best used to evaluate.
Side-by-side comparison
| Dimension | ANAB Forensic Accreditation | ABFT Toxicology Certification |
|---|---|---|
| What it verifies | A laboratory's technical competence, quality system, and traceability | An individual toxicologist's credentials, or (separately) a lab's postmortem/human-performance toxicology capability |
| Applies to | The organization (a specific accredited site and scope) | The individual analyst; a separate lab program covers postmortem/human-performance toxicology labs only |
| Governing standard | ISO/IEC 17025 (testing) or ISO/IEC 17020 (inspection), plus forensic supplemental requirements | ABFT's own certification and laboratory standards |
| Origin / history | ASCLD/LAB (est. 1981/1982) merged into ANAB in 2016; ANAB now runs the forensic accreditation program | Established 1975 as an independent forensic toxicology certification board |
| Discipline coverage | All accredited forensic disciplines (DNA, toxicology, firearms/toolmarks, trace, digital, etc.), per lab-specific scope | Certification: any forensic toxicology practice area. Lab accreditation: postmortem and human-performance toxicology only |
| Mutual recognition | ILAC MRA signatory (laboratory/inspection accreditation) | Not an ILAC MRA signatory; recognized within the forensic toxicology profession and by CMS for lab-director credentialing |
| Relevant CODIS/DNA requirement | Satisfies FBI Quality Assurance Standards' ISO/IEC 17025-via-ILAC-MRA-signatory requirement | Not applicable to CODIS DNA requirements |
| What to ask a vendor for | Current certificate number and scope-of-accreditation document | Certificant’s certification category and status; lab accreditation certificate for toxicology-specific work |
| Best used to evaluate | A testing lab or contractor’s overall technical competence and admissibility posture | A specific toxicologist’s qualifications, or a lab’s postmortem/human-performance toxicology capability specifically |
Common questions
Common questions about ANAB Forensic Accreditation vs ABFT Toxicology Certification
Is ASCLD/LAB accreditation still active as its own program?
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No. ASCLD/LAB merged into ANAB in 2016; its forensic accreditation activity continues under ANAB’s forensic accreditation program rather than as an independent certificate.
Is crime lab accreditation legally required?
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It depends on jurisdiction and function. CODIS-participating DNA labs must meet FBI Quality Assurance Standards, which require ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation through an ILAC MRA signatory body. Many states independently require accreditation for evidence admissibility or funding — confirm against your specific jurisdiction.
What is forensic toxicology certification, and who needs it?
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It’s ABFT’s individual credential for forensic toxicologists, based on education, experience, and examination. It certifies the person, not the lab — relevant when vetting a specific analyst or expert witness.
Do we need both ANAB accreditation and ABFT credentials?
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Many toxicology-testing operations carry all three: ANAB ISO/IEC 17025 forensic accreditation for the lab overall, ABFT laboratory accreditation for postmortem/human-performance toxicology work specifically, and individually ABFT-certified toxicologists on staff. Which you need depends on what your program requires verified.
Going deeper
