The forensics program at Chromosomal Laboratories was built with the guiding principle that each individual sample has a story with considerable implications.  With systems built for efficiency and an eye for detail, each case and each sample undergoes comprehensive peer scrutiny prior to and subsequent to analysis to ensure accurate and defensible results.

Accreditations
In demonstration of excellence, Chromosomal Laboratories participates in a number of national and international accreditation programs, including the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), Forensic Quality Services – International, (FQS-I).  These programs provide external review and approval of the laboratory systems and quality.

Proficiency Testing
In demonstration of its commitment to quality, Chromosomal Laboratories participates in multiple third party proficiency testing programs for paternity, forensic casework, forensic databasing, and Y chromosome analysis.  The Chromosomal Program far exceeds any regulatory requirement.  

Quality Built-In
A core philosophy at Chromosomal Laboratories is “Quality Built-In”.  This means that every step of the process, from sample collection to results reporting, is critically designed, evaluated and monitored. This translates into the highest quality possible.  

The management and technical team at Chromosomal Laboratories has over 100 years of successful experience in the laboratory testing industry.  The diversity of the team’s experience and technical talent is unparalleled and ranges from paternity and forensics to laboratory analysis of environmental bacteria and fungi, anthrax and related bioterrorism agents, chemical contaminants, vaccine development, expert witness, consulting, research and development and the manufacture of medical devices.

Quality System
The Quality System at Chromosomal Laboratories is modeled after ISO 17025:2005, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, the international benchmark for approving the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.  The Chromosomal quality program has been engineered to meet the diverse requirements of several accreditation bodies and standards, including AABB, ASCLD and DAB. The laboratory complies with applicable industry guidelines, including the Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing Laboratories and Convicted Offender DNA Databasing Laboratories issued by the FBI
Director.

Validation
Validation is the process of demonstrating that a laboratory procedure is robust, reliable, and reproducible in the hands of the personnel performing the test in the laboratory.  A robust method is one in which successful results are obtained at a high frequency.  A reliable method produces accurate results that correctly reflect the sample being tested.  A reproducible method produces the same or very similar results each time a sample is tested.  All three types of methods are important for techniques performed in DNA laboratories.  

All methods employed at Chromosomal Laboratories in the normal course of paternity and forensic analysis have under gone rigorous peer reviewed validations.

Resources
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