"The Application of Laboratory Information

Management System (LIMS) in a Forensic DNA Database Laboratory"

Hong-teng Tsui, MPhil, and Kwong-yuk To, PhD, Forensic Science.

Division, Hong Kong Government Laboratory, Ho Man Tin Government.

Offices, 88 Chung Hau Street, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.

Proceedings of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 2006, Volume XII.

This article evaluates the usefulness of Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in forensic laboratories, particularly in enhancing the efficiency of forensic services and reducing human errors.

Forensic DNA database laboratories handle large amounts of reference control samples, such as buccal swabs or blood stain cards for DNA profiling and database application. In addition, large volumes of case-related information must be recorded and made available for future searches (for example, police related references and offence details). Moreover, technical worksheets or documentation are generated during technical and analytical procedures in accordance with international crime laboratory standards, such as ASCLD/LAB. Extensive data entry, administrative and storage resources are required to archive and manage these types of data.

In order to streamline the process and reduce human involvement, a LIMS was designed and tested to automate case information management processes in forensic laboratories. The LIMS software tested was STARLIMS™ and the database software was Oracle™. The system in the laboratory is basically divided into five main parts:

Data entry;
Chain of custody records;
Automated worksheet and statement generation;
File export and import for instrument and CODIS communication; and
Statistical report generation.

Clerical staff input case-related information into the database through the LIMS interface, which is connected to a bar code system that facilitates the input process. Certain data is pre-stored, such as police stations for selection during input, to reduce the typing workload.
The chain of custody interface records the transfer of exhibits from delivering to receiving officers.
The LIMS system is able to generate technical worksheets and templates for witness statements. It can automatically complete templates by accessing case-related data in the database.
The communication between CODIS and instruments to the LIMS can be achieved through export and import files that are in either “txt” or “csv” formats. The LIMS can “capture” the DNA profiles exported by Genotyper™ software, and store it in the database for CODIS import and statement template generation.
The system is able to calculate monthly or yearly statistics reports, including total cases submitted from police and total cases completed within the committed targets. Moreover, the output capacity for each professional staff can also be provided. This is very important for material purchasing and resource allocation in future planning.

In conclusion, the LIMS database stores all the necessary case-related information, which can be accessed through workstations in the laboratory. The system is protected by RAID and tape backup. The LIMS interface accesses and updates the database; it also generates different worksheets, expert witness statement templates, export files for instruments and CODIS entry, as well as import result files from various instruments. A LIMS can increase accuracy by reducing potential human error, and it can save storage space by decreasing the amount of paper record required in case files. The efficiency of a laboratory can be enhanced by such a computer-aided case information handling system—especially for forensic laboratories which handle large amounts of case information.

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