To ensure that laboratories and testing services remain at par, they have to go through a lot of accreditation programs. This is because testing methods change very fast and every day different new technologies are coming up. This testing or accreditation ascertains whether the equipment a lab is using can be relied on or not at giving accurate results. It also checks how qualified the laboratory staff are, as well as the appropriateness of their testing methods and the regular mode of operations. This is to make sure that quality services are offered to the clients. DNA testing services involve testing for genetic disorders. It is mostly known for testing parental diagnostics and forensics.
Generally, DNA testing is done to determine the biological father or mother of a particular child. A postnatal test of DNA can be done by using cheek swab, blood or umbilical cord sample. Meanwhile, a prenatal test is usually done during the second trimester. It is done by removing a sample of amniotic fluid.
To be considered for most of the testing enhancement funding programs, you must get the accreditation from the American Society of crime-lab Directors-Laboratory Accreditation Board (the accreditation program for DNA laboratories). The National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) or other appropriate accrediting bodies that include:
American Association of Blood Banks (AABB): These offer international gold approved for DNA testing laboratories. The program establishes and promotes the highest values for testing quality. Most government agencies, courts included demand a DNA test be performed in AABB-accredited laboratories.
ACLASS Accreditation Services (ISO/IEC 17025): This is an international organization charged with laboratories accreditation. ISO/IEC 17025 is the internationally approved set for making sure the technical competency of laboratories. It covers every angle of laboratory management from preparation of the samples to analytical testing expertise to record keeping and reports.
Accreditation means a lot to the laboratories, as they are realizable standards against which performance is measured. It also enhances status, increasing reputation in the market i.e. the patients or other bodies that would be interested in DNA testing.
The test for paternity identification is designed for proving whether the man is the child’s biological father. The DNA results are the most reliable source of paternity test and no one questions the results. There are numerous benefits of this testing and it is applicable for different purposes to different people. One benefit that people can have through testing is to know the risk of serious health conditions inherited from the family.
If a person has a doubt that the disease of a particular parent or relative may be passed on to him, then he can go for DNA testing and ensure whether the genes of that particular sick person are in him. This is to help take preventive measures before the symptoms of the disease appear. Courts also take the benefit of a DNA test to solve paternity issues and rape cases. Therefore, you can see how beneficial DNA testing is.
Different Accreditations for DNA Testing Labs and What They Mean is a post from: DNA Testing and Paternity Testing Guide
