workflow, customize procedures and proto- cols and allow sample and reagent tracking.
Because LSPCL has a casework laboratory and a data-banking laboratory, software solutions must be fl exible and have the ability to ac- commodate varying workfl ows that involve diff erent equipment, chemistries and pro- cesses for the two departments. After re- searching software solutions for DNA sample management, the team selected LIMS-plus DNA software to support such varying work- fl ows. Without this program, the laboratory could only track a sample at the start of the process and then a fi nal report. The new soft- ware permits samples to be tracked through the entire process, including serology testing, extraction, quantitation, amplifi cation and genetic analysis. Once fully implemented, lab effi ciency should increase and clerical tran- scription errors should be minimized because the entire process is electronic, with a single point of manual sample information entry.
Sample tracking As part of an expedited homicide, sexual assault or violent crime investigation, DNA samples must be processed in real time; thus it is essential that all steps in the process be monitored, recorded and stored in a networked environment. LSPCL requests that investigators whose cases must be processed in real time submit them as quickly as possible. On priority work, the laboratory can provide results in ap- proximately 36 hours. LIMS-plus DNA software ensures that the entire DNA process is transpar- ent and visually displayed to both analysts and management so that samples can be effi ciently tracked at each step; bottlenecks can be cleared and adjustments can be made if needed.
Analysis time Effi ciencies in short tandem repeat (STR) chemistries and analysis software can help al- leviate backlogs when labs are understaff ed or overwhelmed. New STR chemistries increase the number of loci amplifi ed via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which provides a unique genotype or DNA profi le for each person and improved power of discrimination (PD). In turn, the PD imparts a greater ability to distinguish between individuals. The use of additional dyes to label the STR fragments can boost the number of loci amplifi ed in one PCR reaction.
Expert system analysis software consistently applies rules to determine the genotype of each sample, making the analysis more time- effi cient (see Figure 1).
Forensics laboratories need software that is rapid and versatile enough to accept new chemistries, according to John Fosnacht, vice president of SoftGenetics (State College, Penn.), which makes GeneMarker HID human identify software, a CODIS-approved expert
system for STR data analysis. Analysis time savings of up to 40% have been achieved. “New chemistries include additional loci and new dyes,” Fosnacht said. Up to six colors can be analyzed. As new chemistries become avail- able, the software is updated to process them. “When labs switch chemistries, the driving force here is great[er] efficiency,” he added. “These labs must ensure that the software they use to validate the entire process can handle the additional dye capacity.”
Small, smart and powerful MCP 150 Polarimeter Convenient analysis with full compliance
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AMERICAN LABORATORY • 31 • AUGUST 2015
NEW
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