Additional Information
Accreditations
RPC’s Forensic Biology Laboratory was the first laboratory in Canada to be accredited for wildlife forensics. Our laboratory has been accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) since 2006 and meets ISO 17025 requirements. RPC’s quality system is also ISO 9001:2008 certified.
Accreditation is voluntary and once obtained requires constant monitoring and improvement of our processes. All staff participate in annual proficiency testing. Success in accreditation programs assures our clients that our services can be relied upon to meet all essential standards of quality.
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Continuity of samples and data is the foundation of our analyses, and is taken very seriously at RPC. RPC is secured by keycard, and samples may be delivered to one of two manned entrances during business hours.
Upon arriving at RPC, samples are given a unique alpha-numeric identifier and are logged into our Laboratory Management Information System (LIMS). Samples are then transferred to the Forensic Biology Laboratory where they are stored in a secure room under appropriate environmental conditions. Analyses are performed in dedicated secure rooms.
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We understand you have a choice in DNA testing laboratories so we aim to provide superior service in all aspects of our operations. This includes insuring your rights to confidentiality and privacy under Canadian Law*.
We work for you, the client and will release your results to only individuals designated by you. We will not identify you as a client and we will not pass on your personal information (including DNA based information we generate) to any other party without your prior knowledge and consent.
* All our DNA testing is performed in Canada, and records are archived in Canada, so your privacy is governed by two federal laws: Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.
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Our scientists have been called on to provide expert testimony, and can provide testimony for your analyses. An additional fee is charged for this service. Please contact one of our forensic scientists for to discuss your specific requirements.
Qualifications
RPC’s genotyping staff hold PhD, BSc or technical degrees and participate in internal and external proficiency testing on a routine basis.
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RPC’s forensic services are performed on state of the art equipment by highly qualified scientists and technicians. Prices for services depend on a variety of factors including the type of analysis requested, the number of samples submitted for analysis, and the required turnaround time. We endeavor to ensure all services are competitively priced and are aligned with industry standards. Are prices are ‘all inclusive’ and include costs associated with sample collection through to reporting.
To obtain a quotation for our forensic services or to discuss the particulars of your case, please contact one of our forensic scientists.
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The laboratory follows its established Quality System and formal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in performing analytical work. All forensic data generated by RPC is checked by personnel in charge of each analysis to ensure that the data quality objectives for accuracy and precision are met. Samples are analysed in individual batches not exceeding 10 samples. Negative and appropriate positive controls are each run at a frequency of one per batch.
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Your results are reported in clear easy to read reports. Reports are customized to the type of analyses performed and detail the method of analysis used, data, and a written summary of the data. Reports and the analyses underlying them, are checked by a second forensic scientist and are signed by two analysts.
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Samples received for relationship analysis will be destroyed by autoclaving one month following release of the report on analysis. Exceptions may be made for samples submitted as part of court proceedings.
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Sample analyses are typically complete in 7‐10 business days. Rush analyses can be performed for a surcharge.
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