Laboratory Time and Resources

Time Between Evidence Submission and Start of Analysis

This phase begins when evidence is submitted to the laboratory and typically describes the laboratory’s backlog of cases waiting for analysis. In some laboratories, biology/DNA analysts participate in the receipt process while in others, technicians or other laboratory personnel are involved. This presents another opportunity for the law enforcement agency to communicate directly with the analyst. Once evidence is signed into the laboratory, it must be marked for identification, entered into the laboratory’s information management system (LIMS), and appropriately secured for storage.

Laboratories have established methods for prioritizing cases.⁵ Depending on the laboratory’s prioritization scheme, analysts may select cases to process or cases may be assigned by a supervisor.

⁵ Arkansas State Crime Laboratory Special Report Case Prioritization and Turnaround (April 10, 2009) PDF download: 109kB • Visit the Arkansas Division of Legislative Audit »