Working with human DNA involves scientific, legislative and ethical issues.
DNA samples undergo a complicated battery of scientific tests before profiles can be electronically stored for future matching.
In an optimum environment, it is critical to have meticulous documentation and an assembly line manufacturing process from the reception of DNA samples at the front door up to the point DNA profiles are electronically stored.
STaCS DNA Inc. created the technological heart of DNA processing centers – STaCS™ (Sample Tracking and Control System).
Our software products integrate instrumentation with process by tracking, controlling and documenting every step in a procedure that converts biological samples into simplified numeric DNA profiles.
STaCS™ is engineered from the ground up to streamline all DNA processing steps from start-to-finish. It’s a single purpose, highly integrated software solution, not a collection of stand-alone applications "glued together" with the proverbial "duct tape" that suffer from limited integration and inconsistent information.
STaCS™ provides seamless integration with various third-party software components and transforms a sophisticated science into a high throughput DNA laboratory.
STaCS™ uses state of the art information technology to provide a complete solution for DNA Labs. This allows forensic organizations to leverage advanced robotics for increased throughput and to maintain chain of custody from start to finish of all processes in the identification stream. STaCS™ uses a relational database management system to ensure capture and availability of all data related to DNA processing. A complete picture of who, what, when, where and how is tracked for every sample moving through the lab.
Our software interfaces with scientific instruments to control and track all actions in the process. Everything is processed according to protocol and all processes are tracked. Using a robust bar coding interface, data capture of sample, instrument and chemical information is greatly simplified.
Security and privacy measures are implemented throughout to protect the sensitivity of data that is processed system-wide.
STaCS™ has been designed by scientists from the ground up to take into account every aspect of what you need to reliably process DNA samples for identification using state of the art automation.
STaCS™ is not a peripheral computer system that you update and refer to as an additional work process. It is the central agent that drives and tracks every step of your process in a cohesive and non-intrusive fashion.
STaCS™ integrated modules work together to maintain accuracy and currency through every step of your process. Analysts are prompted through the protocol and all interactions are captured and available.
Data Capture errors are eliminated through the use of advanced bar code technology.
Automatically track and capture your sample information, instruments, analyst identifications, reagents, and 96 well assay plates—error free.
Maintain a complete and unquestionable chain of custody through your entire process.
Many Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) require analysts to enter data based on what they have done at a particular instrument. This opens the door to costly errors and omissions.
STaCS™ interfaces with your punch, Real-Time PCR, liquid handling robot, thermal cycler and genetic analyzer workstations to ensure adherence to specified protocol and accurate, low effort data capture.
In addition, STaCS™ monitors instrument logging and records the actual results of the activities. This allows for the tracking of instrument performance and possible environmental effects, providing vastly enhanced diagnostic capabilities and an unsurpassed level of control.
STaCS™ provides a full-featured QA/QC sub-system covering QA/QC Configuration, QC Samples Management, and Control Samples Management.
The QA/QC Manager can identify the consumables (chemicals/reagents) that require QA/QC testing before being used in the lab.
Previously worked samples can be flagged and reworked as QC samples; STaCS™ will automatically validate QC runs.
The QA/QC Manager can also define control sample profiles. Once defined, STaCS™ automatically validate the control samples at the data analysis processing step.
The Receiving and Reagent Preparation Module allows you to keep track of all critical supplies and lots. Chemical preparation is tracked and bar codes created and captured.
The Maintenance Tracking Module allows you to maintain Instrument maintenance schedules allowing STaCS™ to generate notifications for needed servicing.
STaCS™ automatically time stamps all significant events, allowing for a fully flexible time reporting implementation.
Laboratories can track all consumables via the Inventory Management sub-system and track all consumables by invoking the intuitive STaCS™ Storage Management functions.
Accurate and comprehensive data capture means that information is available for a full range of operational, supervisory and management information reports.
The STaCS™ Reports Portal open architecture provides end-users with many powerful features including the ability to:
- Export reports to the MS-Excel and PDF file formats
- Visualize reports page-by-page or using multipage thumbnails
- Perform complete text searches against reports' content
- Drill-down data via active hypertext links
STaCS™ complies with the ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation Standards. It includes many sophisticated elements to ensure that laboratories do not derogate from restrictions imposed by these standards.
- Tracks and controls each sample throughout the analysis process. Audit trails are generated for each sample processed—from the very step of the process and until final results are generated. For each sample, STaCS™ tracks:
- who performed the work
- when was the work performed
- what specific scientific instrument was used
- what chemicals (lot numbers) were used
- Implements policies and procedures to ensure the protection of confidential information and proprietary rights, including procedures for protecting the electronic storage and transmissions of results
- Ensures that purchased supplies, reagents and consumable materials that affect the quality of tests are not used until they have been inspected or otherwise verified as complying with standard specifications/requirements defined in the methods for the tests concerned. Records (audit trails) of actions taken to check compliance are also maintained—STaCS™ Consumable Editor
- Tracks the various batch controls used to ensure quality of tests throughout the analytical process.
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