 Laboratory Information Management
Forensics
Laboratory Information Management Introduction to
Forensics
Recent years have seen an ever-increasing demand for
forensic services. The forensic laboratory business has grown to cover not
just police and criminal evidence requirements, but also the needs of drug
rehabilitation centers, private customers and pathology laboratories.
Increasing globalization of investigations also means that the laboratory information
management by those investigations and the ability to ensure
the security of the information is paramount.
It is no surprise then that there has been increased
demand for laboratory information management solutions within forensic laboratories. In addition to
laboratory
information management, any LIMS implemented in this environment must meet
the demanding requirements for traceability and accountability, chain of
custody management and evidence handling. It must also satisfy the
relevant regulatory requirements. To completely manage the life cycle of
the investigation, a forensic LIMS must also provide the functionality and
integration to allow the information generated by the laboratory to be
readily incorporated into case histories and case reports. The nature of
forensic investigations and the type of information generated means that
any LIMS must also be able to support the handling of files and documents
of many types, including digital image capture and management
The key for forensic organizations is the reliability
and accuracy of the information they are responsible for providing
throughout any possible legal process. By capturing all relevant evidence
submission data at the time of receipt, STARLIMS allows the forensic
laboratory to perform extensive evidence tracking through the “life cycle”
of the investigation. The comprehensive integrated electronic
chain-of-custody provides a complete record of evidence submission
transfer and laboratory activities, incorporating full transactional audit
trails, bar-coding and electronic data storage and signatures.
Laboratory Information Management Solutions for
Forensics
STARLIMS Forensics laboratory information
management solutions are designed to support forensic laboratories and
forensic investigators in their need to generate and manage large amounts
of data—while meeting the most stringent requirements of traceability,
chain of custody and legal and regulatory compliance. Designed to
fully support the daily functions of forensic organizations, STARLIMS also
offers the required reporting and management functionality.
STARLIMS addresses the needs of Forensics organizations
by providing functionalities such as:
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Chain of
custody management for evidence submittal and transfer
Full support of bar-coding to simplify data entry and movement of evidence
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Integrated document management system allowing the storage, management and
control of all documents associated with the investigation
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Integration of analytical instruments and equipment to speed up data entry
and reduce transcription errors
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Automation of processes that improves efficiency by freeing analyst time
for valuable analytical and investigatory work
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Full traceability of all data and information generated within the system
including full audit trail functionality and support for electronic
signatures
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Support for required regulations and accreditation
Ability to record and manage analyst certifications
Full equipment management and maintenance functionality
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Resource planning and scheduling functionality including the ability to
look at backlogs and work outstanding to ensure maximum value is gained
from valuable laboratory resources
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System security, including support for password definition and management
as well as full role definition and control of access to specific
functionality
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In addition, the inherent flexibility of the
laboratory information management system means that
changes to business needs and working practices can be readily supported
and implemented without losing existing functionality or data.
STARLIMS is fully web-based and uses familiar user interfaces, which
simplifies both user training and implementation in new sites or new parts
of the organization. Global and multi-site deployment is also facilitated
thanks to web-based technology.
To Learn More about STARLIMS LIMS
Solutions, see also:
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