From the time DNA evidence was first used in criminal cases, cooperation between public and private members of the forensic community has resulted in the evolution of standards for quality assurance in DNA laboratories, so as to ensure that DNA technology will have a solid foundation as an investigative tool. As DNA technologies have undergone constant change and new testing kits have become available, the validation of new procedures has become an ongoing effort. National standards have emerged for attaining accreditation and for participation in the National DNA Index System (NDIS), a part of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which enables the Federal, State, and local laboratories to store and compare DNA profiles electronically. Recent efforts by the public and private forensic communities have focused on standardizing quality-assurance documents, so that procedures for developing documented quality systems, standard operating procedures, audits, accreditation, and related activities follow the guidelines and standards developed by the Technical Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods, which is now known as the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods, as well as the DNA Advisory Board. A new organization, the Association for Forensics Quality Assurance Managers (AFQAM), was formed in 2003 to promote standardized practices and professionalism in quality-assurance management for the forensic community. Well-defined and uniform guidelines and standards, combined with checks and balances, have characterized the rules by which modern forensic laboratories must operate. 6 references