DNA Laboratory Accreditation
Accreditation Excellence for Accurate Results
DNA lab accreditation assures that testing methods are consistent with fast changing technology. We want to be sure that our lab will always do the best job with all our tests. That’s why we make certain that our lab participates in voluntary programs that check how good they are. These are called accreditation programs. These programs make sure the machines we use are reliable, the people working in the lab are well-trained, and every step of the testing process is done right.
How Accreditation Affects Paternity & Relationship Testing
Some labs have lots of certificates, but that doesn’t always mean they do great testing. If a lab doesn’t have the right certifications, you can’t be sure their tests are reliable. You also should think twice if you can trust the results.
There are two important groups, CLIA and AABB, that check how labs do their DNA testing. Our processing lab has certifications from both of these groups for all our DNA tests at Journey Genetic Testing.
AABB Accreditation
The most important accreditation comes from the AABB. Lab inspections are done twice a year. This helps make certain that labs do the highest-quality work. AABB only approves labs that are excellent in medical, technical skills, administration, and scientific research.
AABB approved labs can do genetic tests to see if people are family members, like the DNA tests we offer. In fact, AABB has such high standards, that only AABB accredited labs can provide legal testing for court, immigration, and Social Security benefits.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
In 1988, the United States Congress made a law called CLIA. This law sets rules for labs that work with human samples and give medical test results. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ensure the enforcement of CLIA guidelines. CLIA, in turn, strives to guarantee the accuracy of test results, regardless of where the tests are conducted.To get a CLIA approval, a lab has to show it’s proficient in all its methods. This includes the daily routines for testing human samples and giving results.
All CLIA and AABB accredited laboratories must pass a rigorous review and inspection of their testing processes and laboratory. The purpose of this is to guarantee the accurate and thorough execution of tests. Accredited laboratories further participate in proficiency tests and undergo annual re-inspections to maintain their accreditation.
ANAB Accreditation ISO/IEC 17025
ANAB is an organization that gives approval to labs worldwide. It’s important internationally and works with other accreditation groups like IAF and IAAC. They want to make sure that when labs get their approval, it’s not just in one country, but everywhere. ANAB follows rules set by ISO/IEC 17025 to make sure labs are really skilled. These rules cover everything from how labs get ready for tests, how well they do the tests, and how they keep records and write reports.
ASCLD/LAB-International
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board-International is a very demanding program. This organization gives approval to forensic DNA labs. Our corporate partner laboratory received approval after the initial inspection, signifying our laboratory’s strong commitment to excellence. This achievement underscores our dedication to maintaining high standards in our operations.
College of American Pathologists (CAP)
The U.S.A. government believes the CAP Lab Accreditation Program is just as good, or even stricter, than their own lab inspection. Our partner laboratory has held approval under the CAP program since 2004.
CAP approval also means labs have to join their Proficiency Testing Program. CAP gives labs samples to test, and then checks how well they did. Not all labs can get this approval because there’s a tough inspection they have to pass. Our lab has passed both proficiency testing and laboratory accreditation programs.
Standards Council of Canada (SCC)
This is the group that makes sure labs in Canada are excellent in DNA testing. They use rules that everyone around the world agrees on (ISO/IEC 17025:2005). When a lab gets this approval, it means they’re trusted not only in Canada but also in other countries.
National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia (NATA)
NATA provides independent assurance of the technical competence of a laboratory meeting international and Australian standards. Our lab follows the Australian Family Law Act Regulations 1984, as well as ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
NATA makes certain labs are competent in their processes. They follow standards everyone agrees on, both worldwide and in Australia. Our lab meets the requirements of the Australian Family Law Act Regulations 1984 and also follows ISO/IEC 17025 standards.
Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
The MOJ is a government department that keeps people safe. Our lab has been checked and approved by the Ministry of Justice. At this time, we can do parentage tests that the courts in England and Wales ask for. Above all, we follow the Family Law Reform Act 1969.
ISO 9001
Following the strict rules of ISO/IEC 17025, the quality system also meets the ISO-9001 standards.
The largest and most reliable lab for DNA testing across the USA asked us to partner with them. We’re here to help people find answers through DNA testing. We offer the most precise tests at the best price for people who want to test their DNA directly. If you have any questions about our services, just contact us at (855) 362-5224.
Home DNA Test Accreditation
Lots of people choose to do DNA tests at home. It’s cheaper, and sometimes they want it to be a secret. Importantly, your results will be exactly the same as a legal test. Unlike legal testing, home DNA testing cannot be AABB accredited. This goes for any home test, no matter which lab it’s from.
Legal DNA Test Accreditation
Journey Genetic Testing’s Legal DNA Test Kits, which can be used in court, stick to all the proper testing rules. The kits include clear instructions for the witness and what counts as valid ID.
For a paternity test or other family relationship test (like sibling, grandparent, or avuncular) to be accredited by AABB, the rules say that:
a) A person who doesn’t care about the test’s result needs to watch the DNA samples being collected.
b) The people giving the samples must have a picture taken or photocopied that shows who they are. This helps make sure they’re really who they say they are.
c) The test must be done two times for all cases where it shows that two people are not related. This is to make sure the results are really correct.
The only change between our private home tests and our legal DNA tests collected by us is how the sample is taken and sent to our lab. In addition to this, the lab treats both samples the same way. Furthermore. the results are the same, and everything follows the right rules once it gets to the lab.