For forensic laboratories, maintaining compliance is not just about passing an assessment; it is about assuring the integrity, reliability, and defensibility of results. Yet, even well-established labs continue to face recurring nonconformities, often tied to the same core requirements. In 2025, ANAB identified 548 nonconformities across 543 forensic testing and calibration assessments, revealing clear patterns in where labs struggle most. Understanding these trends provides a valuable opportunity: by addressing the most frequently cited issues—many rooted in ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB accreditation requirements—labs can take proactive steps to strengthen their quality systems, reduce risk, and approach their next assessment with confidence.
Top Nonconformities in Forensic Lab Assessments (2025)
ANAB identified 548 nonconformities across 543 forensic testing and calibration assessment activities in 2025. The most frequently cited nonconformities include:
- ANAB Accreditation Requirement 7.7.5
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.1.2
- ANAB Accreditation Requirement 5.4.1
- ANAB Accreditation Requirement 7.8.1.2.2
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.8.2.1
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 5.4
- ISO/IEC 17025:2017 7.5.1
- ANAB Accreditation Requirement 5.4.2
- ANAB Accreditation Requirement 7.7.1.l) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 8.1.1 (tied)
- ANAB Accreditation Requirement 6.2.3.1
Top Nonconformities Explained and How to Avoid Them
The same requirements kept coming up. Below are highlights from the top 10, along with resources to help forensic conformity assessment bodies address these issues before their next assessment.
#1 Performance Monitoring (AR 7.7.5)
The most-cited nonconformity in 2025 involved performance monitoring. Labs are required to maintain a documented process for monitoring the performance of both the lab and its personnel. It is a foundational part of any quality management system, and it is where labs most often fall short.
ANAB has published several Heads Up documents covering different aspects of this requirement: 2511 (Available and Appropriate Monitoring Tests), 2509 (Performance Monitoring Plans), 2507 (Proficiency Test Review Committee), 2506 (Monitoring Activities for Quantitative Measurements), and 2206 (Monitoring Performance of Personnel).
#3: Use of Accreditation Symbols (AR 5.4.1)
Labs must conform to PR 1018, ANAB’s Policy on Use of ANAB Accreditation Symbols and Claims of Accreditation Status. Most labs know the symbol requirements for test reports. What gets missed are outdated symbols, including legacy ASCLD/LAB marks, and nonconforming accreditation claims on websites and marketing materials. When reviewing PR 1018, pay close attention to Section 3 and Section 6. Section 3 covers use of the symbol and references to accreditation status. Section 6 covers additional requirements for CABs accredited under programs based on ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025, and related standards.
#8: Disclosures to ANAB (AR 5.4.2)
This one is new to the top 10. Any event or nonconformity that could substantially affect the integrity of laboratory activities, and is related to an accreditation requirement or regulatory authority requirements, must be disclosed to ANAB within 30 calendar days of occurrence. When an event is identified more than 30 days after it occurred, disclosure is required immediately.
MA 3033, ANAB’s accreditation manual for forensic laboratories, provides additional guidance on disclosures of significant events, nonconformities, and changes. ANAB HU 2303 on Disclosures is also a useful reference.
#10: Competency Testing for All Personnel (AR 6.2.3.1)
All personnel who perform testing or calibration must be competency tested. The scope is broader than it might seem. The requirement covers anyone involved in reviewing and authorizing results or expressing an opinion or interpretation. That is a wider net than many labs account for.
The ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ANAB AR 3125 Matrix of Laboratory Tasks Conducted by Personnel maps common laboratory activities to the requirements relevant to each role. Some tasks do not require competency testing, including reporting results and method development or validation. However, most other listed tasks do require competency testing.
Preventing Nonconformities with ANAB Guidance
The full top 10 list covers more requirements than this post addresses in depth. If your lab had nonconformities in 2025, these highlights are a starting point, not a complete picture. The actual requirement documents are always the authoritative reference. If something is unclear, talk to ANAB, and take advantage of ANAB publications, training, and guidance documents to stay ahead of requirements