IGNA's original LIMS: A complete traceability of administrative and analytic processes for forensic cases

Abstract IGNA is the first French laboratory for forensic DNA analysis. IGNA LIMS was developed from the software Microsoft Dynamics NAV which is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) with a real opened solution for specific development and compatible with a lot of Microsoft applications. Thanks to the LIMS, we assure the traceability of analysis and also administrative process (traceability of letters, quotes or phone calls for each case and registration of actions to be done in a case (call for results …)). For one penal case, we can associate one or more sealed items. The DNA expert indicates the analysis to do on each piece (biological fluid detection, type of extraction, nuclear or mitochondrial DNA analysis …). During the technical process, samples automatically pass from a step to the next. Technicians indicate all the information needed for traceability (consumables lot number, used robots …). At the end of the process, the DNA expert validates his results, which are then directly transferred to the final report. Development of the IGNA LIMS from Microsoft Dynamics NAV allows us to use all specific applications of an ERP such as purchases, marketing, sales, etc. and to assure computerization of all our process, from quote to analysis report.