OSAC Lexicon
The OSAC Lexicon is a compendium of forensic science terms and definitions. This terminology tool was created to help bring consistency and understanding to the way terms are used by the various forensic science. Use of the OSAC Lexicon does not replace the need to reference the original published source.
The terms and definitions in the OSAC Lexicon come from the published literature, including documentary standards and technical reports. It is continually updated with the latest work from OSAC units, as well as terms from newly published documentary standards and standards elevated to the OSAC Registry.
Gradually terms are evaluated and harmonized by the OSAC to a single term. This process results in an OSAC Preferred Term. An OSAC Preferred Term is a term, along with its definition, that has undergone review and evaluation by the FSSB Terminology Task Group and has been approved by the FSSB. The FSSB recommends that subcommittees use OSAC Preferred Terms when drafting standards.
The OSAC Lexicon should be the primary resource for terminology and used when drafting and editing forensic science standards and other OSAC work products.
evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of interlaboratory comparisons.
Also referenced in ASTM E1732-24ae1 Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Science, ANSI/ASTM E1301-95 Standard Guide for Proficiency Testing by Interlaboratory Comparisons, ANSI/ASB Standard 153 Standard Practices for Proficiency Testing for Forensic Toxicology Laboratories and Breath Alcohol Programs.
Single complete sequence of distribution of proficiency test items, and the evaluation and reporting of the results to the participants. (Source: ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.10)
Proficiency testing designed and operated in one or more rounds for a specified area of testing, measurement, calibration or inspection. (Source: ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.11)
All-encompassing plan of action aimed at accomplishing a clear objective that meets a defined need. i.e. the instruction for completing the training, certification, and documentation requirements within a detection canine discipline.
A defect or feature that appears during the use of the stamp and can change with additional usage.
A skeletal defect often produced by high-velocity impact over a relatively small surface area, typically by projectiles from firearms, but can result from any small object impacting a bone at a high velocity.
A previously learned association that stimulates the initiation of a response. Instructions, gestures, physical guidance and modeling cues serve as prompts to the canine.
A training technique that aims to teach the canine to ignore all odors/scents except target odors/scents.
an explosive material which undergoes rapid and predictable combustion (without detonation) resulting in a large volume of hot gas.
Awareness of the relative body position in space at rest and during movement.
A description of the specific procedures and methodologies by which a task or tasks are to be accomplished.
An established practice to be followed in performing a specified task or under specific circumstances
The segment of the finger or thumb closest to the palm.
The cause that directly produces the effect without the intervention of any other cause.
An artifact that may occur during analysis of fluorescently-labeled DNA fragments when signal from one dye color channel produces artificial peaks in another, usually adjacent color, at a similar position on the X axis in an electropherogram; sometimes referred to as bleed-through or matrix/ spectral calibration failure; one type of DNA testing artifact.
The action of the pupils constricting in response to light, it requires vision and normal neurologic control of the pupils.
The action of the pupils constricting in response to light, it requires vision and normal neurologic control of the pupils
Product of decomposition through heat; a product of a chemical change caused by heating.
A process in which material is decomposed, or broken down, into simpler molecular compounds by the effects of heat alone; pyrolysis often precedes combustion.
Any substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
Any substance that spontaneously ignites upon exposure to atmospheric oxygen.
A method of DNA sequencing which is performed by detecting the nucleotide incorporated by a DNA polymerase.
A linear regression of polynomial degree 2
An adjective used to describe an individual who meets the requirements for the position, has successfully completed the laboratory's applicable training requirements, and is authorized to perform a specific task or role.1
An assay designed to be more specific for targeted analytes and based on a different chemical principle than a screening method
An ordinal estimate of the usefulness of biometric data for the purpose of automatedrecognition.