Levels of the Database

The National DNA Index System (NDIS) is a system of DNA profile  records input by criminal justice agencies (including State and local law enforcement agencies). 
The Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) is the automated DNA information processing and telecommunication system that supports NDIS.

 
DNA profiles of various types are entered into CODIS from laboratories at the local, state, and national levels.

Local. A local laboratory (e.g., Palm Beach Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory) can maintain its own local database of forensic profiles—local DNA index system (LDIS)—and upload approved profiles to SDIS.

State. The state database, or State DNA index system (SDIS), contains forensic profiles from local laboratories in that state, plus forensic profiles analyzed by the state laboratory itself. The state database also contains DNA profiles of convicted offenders. States may have their own regulations regarding which profile types can be maintained at SDIS. Analysts should familiarize themselves with their state requirements.
The FBI is responsible for analysis of convicted offender samples in the federal prison system and for entry of those profiles. The FBI also enters DNA profiles from its forensic cases into CODIS. In this sense, it is functioning as an SDIS laboratory .

National. Profiles from the states (including the FBI) are uploaded into the National DNA Index System (NDIS). In accordance with Federal law, specific rules govern whether a profile can or cannot be uploaded to NDIS (see relevant sections of the Federal Justice For All Act 2004, relating to CODIS). Some categories of samples, as well as DNA profiles that do not meet minimum number of DNA loci, are not eligible for entry into NDIS. Approved analysts should familiarize themselves with NDIS Board procedures.