TrACE - Trace analysis collaborative exercise: A transparent, expert driven concept of proficiency tests.

TrACE (Trace Analysis Collaborative Exercise) represents a novel, strictly expert driven and transparent concept of external quality control based on a combination of proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons. TrACE is an official proficiency test scheme of the German Stain Commission and acts in accordance with the recommendations for proficiency testing issued by this commission and outlined in DIN EN ISO 17025. TrACE offers modules on all aspects of forensic genetics that address challenges encountered in real casework. Basic modules represent proficiency tests that cover the physical examination of items, the identification of body fluids, DNA extraction, the analysis of autosomal and Y-chromosomal STRs and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and the interpretation and verbalisation of results, including complex mixtures. Advanced and extended modules provide interlaboratory tests with more challenging items and novel methodology such as probabilistic genotyping and forensic DNA phenotyping (FDP). Each module is coordinated by an internationally recognised expert in the respective field. The members of the TrACE team are based in case work and/or academic forensic laboratories.