DNA testing methods evolve at a rapid pace. To ensure
our laboratory’s top performance in all aspects of our testing
services, we participate in several voluntary accreditation programs.
These programs verify the reliability of our equipment, the qualifications
of our laboratory staff, and the soundness of our testing methods
and standard operating procedures.
American Association
of Blood Banks (AABB) The AABB’s Relationship Testing Accreditation program is the international gold standard for DNA paternity testing laboratories. The program establishes and promotes the highest Standards of testing quality and care for patients in all aspects of parentage and other relationship testing. Most courts and other government agencies require DNA tests to be performed by AABB-accredited laboratories. DDC initially received AABB accreditation in 1996. In the last four assessments by the AABB, in which the laboratory's proficiency was scrutinized on hundreds of Standards, DDC is proud to have received zero Standard Non-Conformance citations. This is a reflection of DDC's total quality commitment.
ACLASS Accreditation Services (ISO/IEC 17025) ACLASS is an international laboratory accreditation organization. Their rigorous inspection procedures are recognized by ILAC, APLAC, and IAAC through the signing of Multilateral Recognition Arrangements. ISO/IEC 17025 is the international standard set for ensuring the technical competency of laboratories. ISO/IEC 17025 covers every aspect of laboratory management, ranging from sample preparation to analytical testing proficiency to record keeping and reports.
ASCLD/LAB-International
The American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board is the most stringent accreditation program for forensic DNA laboratories. DDC has the distinction of receiving accredition after the first inspection—further evidence of our laboratory's unceasing commitment to excellence.
College of American
Pathologists (CAP)
The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is recognized by
the federal government as being equal to or more stringent
than the government’s own laboratory inspection program.
DDC has achieved another perfect rating in its most recent
CAP inspection, which examined our general laboratory procedures
as well as our excellence in providing molecular diagnostics
services.
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. Many laboratories participate in this program but
do not obtain accreditation, which entails a more rigorous,
on-site laboratory inspection. DDC is one of few laboratories
that participate in and have perfectly passed both proficiency
testing and laboratory accreditation programs.
New York State Department of Health
(NYSDOH) The NYSDOH certification permits laboratories to perform DNA
tests on cases originating from New York. NYSDOH rigorously
inspects the entire testing service, including processes performed
outside the lab, such as chain of custody and patient referrals.
DDC is one of the few AABB-accredited laboratories that also
possess the prestigious NYSDOH certification, achieving a perfect
rating in its past four inspections.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) The CLIA accreditation issued by the U.S. Department of Health ensures laboratory results are timely, accurate, and reliable. DDC has been accredited by CLIA for over 8 years.
View AABB Certificate
View ACLASS ISO Certificate
View ASCLD/LAB Certificate
View CAP Certificate
View NYSDOH Certificate
View CLIA Certificate