DDC Achieves a Perfect Rating in Surprise Laboratory Inspection
DNA Diagnostics Center Press Release
Cincinnati, OH. September 8, 2006—DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) successfully renewed its accreditation with the College of American Pathologists (CAP), based on the results of an unannounced on-site inspection by CAP laboratory assessors.
The inspection team was lead by Dr. Eric W. Johnson, who specializes in genetic testing and has a long history with molecular DNA analysis. Three main aspects of DDC’s testing laboratory were inspected for CAP accreditation:
- Director and Organizational Assessment: to ensure that the laboratory’s leadership, organizational structure, and staff are highly qualified and sufficient to support the testing services being offered.
- General Laboratory: to ensure that the standard operating procedures are scientifically valid and uphold best practices in the laboratory.
- Molecular Pathology: to ensure that the specific molecular diagnostics services, including genetic and parentage testing, are performed according to quality standards established by scientific leaders in the industry.
The CAP inspectors were pleasantly surprised to see that DDC had no deficiencies in all areas that they inspected. “For the second time in a row, CAP inspectors were impressed with what they found, or I should say didn’t find, at DDC. Having inspected other laboratories, they always expect some degree of deficiencies,” says Dr. Michael Baird, DDC’s laboratory director. DDC also achieved a perfect rating in its previous CAP inspection.
Participation in the CAP accreditation program is voluntary, and it is essential in the paternity testing industry, which is not regulated by the government. Laboratories who wish to maintain high-quality services submit to this accreditation program, which upholds strict laboratory standards. CAP accreditation requires a biennial, unannounced on-site inspection of the facility, as well as routine laboratory proficiency testing throughout the period in which a laboratory is accredited.
“Our laboratory operates with the highest standards everyday; we’re always ready for inspection,” says Karen Miller, DDC’s Laboratory Manager.
DDC performs 3 out of 4 paternity tests in the United States, and is the world’s largest private provider of DNA testing.
The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving nearly 16,000 physicians and laboratory community members throughout the world. It is widely considered as the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The CAP is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.
About DDC
DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) is the world’s largest provider of private paternity tests. Since 1995, DDC has performed hundreds of thousands of genetic tests for clients in all 50 U.S. states and around the world. DDC offers comprehensive DNA testing services in several specialty areas: family relationship testing, forensics, and veterinary DNA testing. As the leading force in the private DNA testing industry, DDC was one of the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes for stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC’s unique Dual Process™ ensures results of unmatched quality and reliability.
DDC’s quality DNA testing services are nationally and internationally recognized by a number of professional accrediting organizations such as the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors–Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International), the College of American Pathologists (CAP), and the Forensic Quality Services (FQS-I, ISO/IEC-17025).
Contact:
Jim Hanigan
DNA Diagnostics Center
513-881-4078
www.dnadiagnosticscenter.com
pr@dnacenter.com
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