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Wavy Net

Quality Control

  • DNA typing is a highly specialised procedure which requires knowledge and skill. Furthermore, for DNA typing evidence to be acceptable in a Court of Law, it has to meet certain quality standards, which have been well documented and followed by forensic DNA laboratories worldwide. Accordingly in 2010, we became the first DNA typing laboratory in Sri Lanka to achieve ISO 15189:2007 (now 15189:2012) accreditation from Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB). We at Genetech are proud to announce that every step of our DNA typing process meets these international standards.

  • At Genetech, our quality standards cover all aspects of DNA typing, including qualified and experienced personnel, the latest equipment, and the best of chemicals and reagents. The entire process is performed to generate error-free results which can be verified by any laboratory in the world.

  • Personnel: Genetech has the most experienced and qualified personnel in the field of DNA typing in Sri Lanka. They have pioneered DNA typing in this country, and have laid the foundation for the application of this technology in Sri Lanka.
     

  • Equipment: We are a fully equipped organisation which has the ability to perform automated fragment analysis in the exact manner required by the standards. Our equipment are regularly calibrated to ensure error-free functioning.
     

  • Laboratory management: All aspects of laboratory management and documentation are performed to meet the ISO 15189 standards. Aspects of confidentiality, security and independence have been diligently maintained.
     

  • Technical quality: The type of DNA testing done by us is the latest, most accepted method known as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) based analysis of Short Tandem Repeats (STRs). This method is presently accepted by the forensic community as the method of choice because of its sensitivity, accuracy, rapidity and cost effectiveness.
     

  • The type of genetic test: STR loci (genetic locations) which are tested by us are those that are well-studied and regularly used by the forensic community. These include loci found on autosomes, and X and Y chromosomes. The STR loci tested by us are among the most accepted, internationally. These STR loci have also been tested for their suitability to be used for the Sri Lankan population, and they have been proven to be statistically suitable. There is also an established Sri Lankan population database for these loci which enables such DNA evidence to be presented to a Court of Law. In addition to STR testing, we also conduct mitochondrial DNA analysis as required, to assist tracing of maternal lineages.
     

  • Error minimisation: In order to minimise the possibility of error, we will maintain standards of validation and verification. The analysis of casework samples will be done alongside internationally used standard human DNA, and the results of the casework analysis will be subject to comparison with these DNA standards. Negative controls will be run at every step of the analysis procedure in order to ensure that no cross-contamination of DNA has occurred.
     

  • Reporting: Once DNA typing results are generated, they are stored in both a graphic format as well as in a numerical format. An individual's DNA profile can be submitted to a Court of Law in both formats. Our scientists can provide statistical interpretation of the results and express the accuracy of the test by statistical means, using data generated from the Sri Lankan human population databases. In order to be valid in a Court of Law, DNA evidence must be supported by statistical data. This data is obtained only by establishing a population database for the population group that is being tested. Therefore, only Sri Lankan population data can be used for such analyses.
     

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