DNA Laboratory Accreditation

What You Need To Know Before You Order A DNA Test

DNA testing methods and processes evolve at a rapid pace. To make certain that our testing laboratory’s performance in all aspects of our testing services is always the most accurate, we insist that each facility participate in voluntary accreditation programs. These programs verify the reliability of the DNA testing equipment, the qualifications and education of laboratory staff, and the soundness of each step of the testing methods utilized along with daily operating procedures.

The number of accreditation certificates a laboratory has does not indicate the quality of testing services it offers to its clients; however, if a lab does not have one of these regulatory certifications or approval from the corresponding agency, depending on the type of testing offered, there can be no guarantee of the testing process or the reliability of the results.

There are two principle accreditation agencies, CLIA and AABB, that are most often referred to when determining the regulation of all DNA testing laboratories. All Journey Genetic Testing laboratory processing of relationship DNA samples take place with our affiliated labs that hold both of these accreditation.

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)

Passed in 1988 by the United States Congress to establish quality standards for laboratories working with human samples and providing medical diagnostic results, CLIA is regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CLIA standards were established “to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of patient test results regardless of where the test was performed.” For a laboratory to earn CLIA accreditation, it must undergo proficiency testing on all of its techniques and daily procedures for testing human samples and reporting results.

AABB (formerly Association for the Advancement of Blood& Biotherapies)

The second accreditation that is often mentioned is from the AABB.  The goal of the AABB accreditation program is to “promote the highest standards of medical, technical, and administrative performance, scientific investigation, clinical application, standard setting, accreditation, and education.” As one of its customized assessments, AABB conducts an accreditation program that evaluates and accredits family relationship and parentage testing for DNA testing laboratories.

All CLIA and AABB accredited laboratories must pass a rigorous review and inspection of their testing processes and laboratory to insure that tests are being done accurately and thoroughly. Accredited laboratories also participate in proficiency tests and are re-inspected annually.

ANAB Accreditation ISO/IEC 17025

ANAB is an international laboratory accreditation organization. It is the signatory of the IAF and IAAC multilateral cooperative arrangements (MLAs). Through the IAF, ILAC, IAAC, and APLAC MRAs/MLAs, and the Multilateral Cooperative Accreditation Arrangement, ANAB cooperates with other accreditation agencies worldwide making certain that accreditation certifications are recognized nationally and internationally. ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard set for ensuring the technical competency of laboratories and it covers every aspect of laboratory management including sample preparation, analytical testing proficiency, record keeping and reports.

ASCLD/LAB-International

The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board-international is the most stringent accreditation program for forensic DNA laboratories. Our partner lab received accreditation after the first inspection—demonstrating our laboratory’s unending commitment to excellence.

College of American Pathologists (CAP)

The federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program as equal to, or more stringent than, the U.S. government’s own laboratory inspection program. Our partner laboratory has held accreditation under the CAP program since 2004.

CAP accreditation also requires laboratories to participate in its Proficiency Testing Program, in which CAP sends samples to the laboratories for DNA testing and evaluates the laboratories’ results. While many laboratories may participate in this program, many are unable to obtain accreditation. This is due to a more demanding on-site laboratory inspection. Our lab has passed both proficiency testing and laboratory accreditation programs.

Standards Council of Canada (SCC)

This is Canada’s national accreditation agency. SCC accreditation is determined by internationally recognized criteria (ISO/IEC 17025:2005), This accreditation provides credibility both in Canada and internationally.

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.

Ministry of Justice (MOJ)

The MOJ is a ministerial department that works to protect the public. Our laboratory is accredited by the Ministry of Justice and is allowed to carry out parentage tests directed by the civil courts in England and Wales under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969.

ISO 9001

In meeting the stringent ISO/IEC 17025 standards the quality management system is also in compliance with the ISO-9001 requirements.

The most largest & most trusted laboratory in DNA testing through-out the USA has chosen to partner with us to bring answers to those on their journey to truth through DNA testing. We provide the most accurate DNA tests, at the lowest possible price, in direct to consumer testing. If you would like to compare the services and quality we provide to other prices or quotes you have been given, please call us at (855) 362-5224.