OTTAWA, ON—STACS DNA, the sample tracking software company, today announced that Direction générale de la sûreté nationale (DGSN), Algeria’s national police force, has implemented STACS-CW Enterprise sample tracking and quality control software at their forensic DNA laboratory in Algiers.
The DGSN lab has been using the BARD forensic laboratory information management system (LIMS), developed by PEC Technologies, since 2006 to manage incoming evidence. As the DNA sample processing requirements grew, the lab increasingly needed functionality specific to DNA to document their activities and ensure quality control procedures were followed.
STACS-CW is now used by 30 analysts to perform consistent DNA workflows in the DGSN lab. By centralizing all DNA data in one system, lab staff are easily able to track and report on all sample processing activities including users, processing dates, comments, consumables, instruments, profiles, and results. Integrated with their instruments and LIMS, DGSN analysts decrease data entry time, errors and intermediate steps. In addition, STACS-CW’s process controls and troubleshooting tools help them to reduce errors and maintain the highest level of quality.
Documenting DNA sample processing and consumable and instrument maintenance activities is vital to maintaining a high level of quality control. DGSN had been using case log books and files to do this, which makes it very difficult to ensure consistency and poses challenges for finding and sharing information among multiple analysts in a timely fashion.
STACS-CW is integrated with PEC’s BARD to provide DGSN with a streamlined solution, eliminating the need for analysts to enter data in both systems. PEC is STACS DNA’s value added reseller in parts of the Middle East and Africa.
“We are pleased to be working with DGSN, our first customer in Africa,” said Jocelyn Tremblay, President and COO of STACS DNA. “Building on our relationship with PEC, the integrated STACS-CW and BARD solutions are helping DGSN deliver exceptional quality and tracking which are vital for a national forensic DNA laboratory.”
About PEC
PEC Technologies offers forensics lab systems to increase productivity and information access. BARD LIMS is a secure, modular laboratory information management system (LIMS) for managing cases and evidence. Used to protect and store sensitive criminal investigation information, the BARD LIMS is a central hub for sharing and updating information from the crime scene to the criminal justice system. Authorized experts and law enforcement agencies can access the BARD LIMS to compile and analyze all the information related to a case for the prosecution or possible acquittal of suspects. Quebec-based PEC has been in business since 2003. For more information, visit https://www.pecinc.ca/
About STACS DNA
STACS DNA offers sample tracking software for timeliness, transparency and accountability. Track-Kit™ tracks samples from collection to storage, preventing delayed or lost tests, and keeping all stakeholders informed. STACS® software is the hub of integrated DNA labs, increasing productivity and quality. Our customers are federal, state, regional and local agencies, including many of the largest forensics DNA labs in North America. STACS DNA has been serving the forensic community since 2000. For more information, visit stacsdna.com.
