Md. Code Regs. 10.51.05.09

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 10.51.05.09 - Test Reports - General

A. A licensee shall ensure that a test report includes but is not limited to the following:

(1) Name and physical address of the laboratory;

(2) A unique identifier on each page of the report;

(3) Identification of the forensic analysis method used;

(4) A clear identification of each item tested including a description of the item's condition;

(5) The date each forensic analysis was completed;

(6) Units of measurement, if applicable;

(7) The name and written or electronic signature of the examiner or analyst responsible for:

(a) Performance of the forensic analysis;

(b) Interpretations of forensic analysis results; and

(c) Opinions;

(8) Opinions and interpretations;

(9) When applicable, a statement of uncertainty of measurement if the uncertainty of measurement may affect the interpretation of the results of the forensic analysis;

(10) The date report was generated;

(11) The indication of the end of the report on the report's last page; and

(12) If applicable, a statement that the analysis was performed by another laboratory and identifies the facility that actually performed the analysis.

B. A licensee shall ensure that any information from §A(1)-(12) of this regulation that is not included in the test report is documented in the case record.

C. A licensee shall ensure that test reports:

(1) Are produced when analytical testing is performed on evidence;

(2) Contain opinions and conclusions and the name of the report's author;

(3) Report results accurately, clearly, unambiguously, and objectively; and

(4) Utilize a page numbering system that includes either the total number of pages or a mark to signify the end of the document.

D. A licensee shall ensure that amended reports:

(1) Clearly state that the report has been amended;

(2) Reference the original report;

(3) Are placed or associated with the original report in the case file; and

(4) Are provided to the customers.

E. Reports - Postmortem Forensic Toxicology. In addition to applicable sections of this regulation, a laboratory performing postmortem forensic toxicology shall:

(1) Have a procedure or policy for technical review of reports, which includes at a minimum:

(a) Chain of custody documentation;

(b) Validity of analytical data; and

(c) Quality control data;

(2) Include on the test report the name of the submitting agency or individual;

(3) Indicate qualitative test results using the:

(a) Term "Positive" if the test result is positive for the presence of the substance tested; and

(b) Term "None detected" if the test result is negative for the presence of the substance tested;

(4) Have quantitative results identified using correct nomenclature;

(5) Have preliminary reports clearly indicate that the:

(a) Results are unconfirmed and subject to verification;

(b) Testing is incomplete; and

(c) Subsequent results, where appropriate, may affect the final report and interpretation of the report;

(6) Clearly identify test results performed by a subcontractor;

(7) Clearly identify revised reports or addenda using the same identifying information as the original report, for reports that contain additional testing after the original test results were reported; and

(8) Indicate on the final report the name of the laboratory that actually performed the test if specimens were referred to another laboratory for analysis.

Md. Code Regs. 10.51.05.09

Regulation .09 amended effective 42:14 Md. R. 880, eff.7/20/2015