Methods and results reported to our scientific, technical or law enforcement clients and/or presented in a court of law demand the assurance that all work can be duplicated precisely in every detail. The preparation of technical reports that meet high standards for accuracy and completeness are an ethical responsibility and professional obligation for managers of analytical laboratories.

As the extent or complexity of work increases, more methods and techniques may be employed, producing an array of results. The preparation of reports which accurately describe what was done, how it was done, and what was produced can become a significant challenge. The collection, handling, and analysis of physical evidence can seriously impact the search for the truth, as the O.J. Simpson trial has clearly illustrated.