Supply and Delivery of QIAGEN Extraction Kits and Consumables

The DNA Unit of Forensic Science Northern Ireland (FSNI) is currently validated under Home Office Regulations for the processing, sequencing and profiling of samples for the recovery of Human DNA profiles, to judicial standards. This provides the basis upon which FSNI is permitted to upload DNA Profiles to the UK National DNA Database (NDNADB). As a UK Forensic Science Provider (FSP) customer expectations are that FSNI be validated with the UK Home Office for the upload and searching of DNA profiles.

The Home Office require FSNI to hold Accreditation to current standards. The Home Office require all DNA suppliers, wishing to avail of NDNADB functions, to be Accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). UKAS carry out inspection, testing and trials of Service Provision and Quality Assurance on behalf of the Home Office, thereby, giving the Home Office the confidence in FSNI processes and work standards to the expected level to meet Judicial Standards.

FSNI are required to conduct adequate testing and monitoring of current processes via scientific validation to standards set and approved by UKAS. UKAS approve FSNI under ISO17025 for Testing Laboratories. Without the Accreditation of UKAS, FSNI would not be permitted to conduct the current DNA processes and FSNI would no longer be in a position to meet customer demands.