What is Laboratory Accreditation and why is it important?

Laboratory accreditation is the process that ensures that the laboratory is able to perform its testing under strict procedures and protocols and on a regular basis. In DNA testing this ensures that the laboratory is able to replicate an accurate result over and over again.

To gain accreditation, a facility must pass a rigorous inspection and review of the laboratory and DNA testing processes to ensure that all DNA tests are performed thoroughly and accurately.  Once accredited, a DNA laboratory must also participate in proficiency DNA testing on a regular basis and allow an annual inspection to confirm the certification.

At GTL UK we can therefore guarantee that all our testing is performed by laboratories that are accredited to the highest local and international levels for complete peace of mind.

What accreditations cover your testing?

Our partner laboratory that performs the DNA tests is the most highly accredited laboratory worldwide. It holds a number of local and international accreditations which means as a client you can rest assured of the quality of our DNA services.

Below are some of the various accreditations held by the laboratory and what they mean:

ISO 17025

ISO 17025 is the global standard for the technical competence of calibration and testing laboratories. A laboratory accredited to ISO 17025:2005, will have incorporated an overall system for technical and quality management. This results in superior laboratory practices and customer service. Our company has since its inception always operated with ISO17025 accredited laboratories.

ILAC-MRA

The International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) first started as a conference in 1977 with the aim of developing international cooperation for facilitating trade by promotion of the acceptance of accredited test and calibration results. In 1996, ILAC became a formal cooperation with a charter to establish a network of mutual recognition agreements among accreditation bodies that would fulfill this aim. The ILAC Mutual Recognition Arrangement (often referred to as the ILAC Arrangement) is the culmination of 22 years of intensive work.

The arrangement came into effect on 31 January 2001. The key to the Arrangement is the developing global network of accredited testing and calibration laboratories that are assessed and recognized as being competent by ILAC Arrangement signatory accreditation bodies. The signatories have, in turn, been peer-reviewed and shown to meet ILAC’s criteria for competence.

NATA

The National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation provides a means of determining, recognising and promoting the competence of facilities to perform specific types of testing and provides formal recognition to competent testing facilities, thus providing a ready means for customers to identify and select reliable testing services. To maintain this recognition, laboratories are re-evaluated periodically by NATA to ensure their continued compliance with requirements and to check that their standard of operation is being maintained. The laboratory is also required to participate in relevant proficiency testing programs between reassessments, as a further demonstration of technical competence.

For any questions about any of the accreditations covering your home paternity test or legal DNA test kindly contact our team. We value highly our quality and we work hard to ensure that your testing is of the highest standards possible.