In This Issue
What's New?
Did You Know?
Events
In the News: North America
In the News: International
Articles of Interest


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About Us
 
STaCS DNA delivers the only sample management software designed specifically for DNA labs. For 13 years, we've helped DNA database and casework labs accelerate throughput, prevent errors, cut costs, improve data quality and meet accreditation standards. The FBI, RCMP, U.S. Army and DNA labs of all sizes rely on STaCS DNA.
 
Why are we called STaCS DNA? "Sample Tracking and Control Systems" for DNA - What we do is in our name!
 

MVRCL Pulls Off Million Dollar Productivity Despite Staff Shortage

Miami Valley Regional Crime Lab reports an 86% increase in its DNA sample processing output - the equivalent to tripling their lab staff - despite 25% of their staff away on leave. This was the result of automating the lab with STaCS DNA™ and Tecan�.  

The lab doubled and sometimes tripled their previous processing rates, increased turnaround times by 83%, and reduced their backlog. And that's not all.

To learn more, read the MVRCL case study.

  

What's New?

Screen shot from video Is your DNA lab ready for growth

Check out the new video Maximizing Productivity in DNA Labs: Lab Management. It covers managing your ordering and inventory, your consumables, your storage and your instrument maintenance to save time and prevent errors. It's worth the three-minute investment in your time!

 

Other videos are also available on that page. We'll be posting new videos regularly.

  

Did You Know?

STaCS� Works With JusticeTrax!

Does your agency use JusticeTrax� LIMS-plus� to track evidence? Did you know that there is a proven DNA solution that's been interfacing with LIMS-plus for many years?  

STaCS-CW is the industry-leading DNA sample tracking and control software for casework labs from STaCS DNA. It interfaces with LIMS-plus to provide the essential DNA sample processing capabilities your lab needs to increase efficiency, improve data quality and prevent errors.  

Save time through automated worklists, eliminate double data entry, reduce data input errors, and more.  

If you've never seen it, contact us for a demo.

  

Events

Come see us this week at:

2014AAFS
American Academy of Forensic Science Annual Meeting (AAFS
February 17-22, 2014
Seattle, WA
 

In the News: North America 

The Biometrics Research Group, Inc. estimates that law enforcement spending on forensic DNA databases throughout North America will total approximately $750 million in 2015. But this is still miniscule.
 

National Commission Begins Work to Strengthen Forensic Science

The National Forensic Science Commission recently met to begin its important work of strengthening the forensic sciences. Their task is to address the challenges facing the forensic science community, which are not just scientific but also systemic and highly complex. 

 

The State of DNA Backlogs

A newly released special report, "Making Sense of DNA Backlogs, 2012 - Myths vs. Reality", is now available from the National Institute of Justice.

 

New Genetic Tools for Differentiating 'Identical' Twins - Evidence Technology Magazine

Eurofins Scientific, one of the global leaders in Genomics Services, announces a research breakthrough in genetic discrimination between identical monozygotic twins.

 

In California, Forensics is Women's Work

For about a year, the Torrance Police Department forensics unit has been all female - perhaps a sign of 'the "CSI" effect.' And their results are impressive.

 

Criminal Justice Professors Study Disaster DNA Preservation

Forensic scientists at Sam Houston State University are conducting research to improve DNA preservation after natural disasters that will assist in the identification of victims.

 

In the News: International

How Does DNA Contamination Occur?

Potential for the contamination of forensic DNA evidence has been highlighted by the Meredith Kercher murder trial. But just how much of a problem is it and what lessons should be drawn?

 

Competency Test Will Enhance Successful DNA Recovery

A practical training exercise to test an individual's ability to successfully recover DNA could improve how much material is collected and could significantly accelerate crime investigations.

 

Alleged Jewel Thief's Kiss for Victim Leads to DNA Fingerprint - and Arrest

An alleged jewel thief who sealed his crime with a kiss was caught after Paris police analyzed the DNA on his victim's cheek. Forensic scientists at the scene swabbed the woman's cheek to isolate the genetic profile.

 

Articles of Interest

Just How Productive Is a FTE?

What is the median number of cases completed for each full-time equivalent (FTE) employee in the investigative area of DNA for one full year? This metric gives an indication of the level of productivity within the average laboratory by investigative area. (Scroll down the page to see "This Week's Forensic Metric" as reported by ASCLD.)

Mistaeks Happen - Lab Manager Magazine 

Many managers recognize that properly handling mistakes is an attractive managerial quality, whether it is handling the mistakes of a subordinate or their own mistakes. If managers can perfect the art of handling mistakes properly, their credibility and reputation for talent management will increase as well as career opportunities within their organizations.