(RALEIGH) -- North Carolina's state crime lab is taking steps to restore its reputation after a scandal that questioned the integrity of some analysts and the cases they worked on. The lab is working under strict new international standards as it seeks dual accreditation.

Crime lab director Judge Joe John said the move should boost public confidence in prosecutions. "I think it will give prosecutors the ability to say to the trier of fact, to the jury, that the work done by the analysts and scientists at the state crime laboratory is being done according to the highest known standards," said John.

The lab would be the first in the country to hold dual accreditation. John said it is a thorough process that will not be completed until 2013. All 124 analysts began working under strict international standards this week. Most of them also hold certifications that are not generally required by crime labs.