Why is accreditation so important?

Some DNA testing laboratories advertise themselves as "accredited" but it is very important to confirm such claim. Genetic Testing Laboratory (GTL) is accredited by NATA, National Association of Testing Authorities Australia. In addition GTL is also accredited by the AABB and ISO 17025 being the highest levels of international accreditation possible for a scientific DNA testing laboratory.

Accredited laboratories have passed a rigorous review and inspection of their testing processes and laboratory to insure that tests are being done accurately and thoroughly. Accredited laboratories also participate in proficiency DNA testing and are re-inspected annually. In order for a DNA test to be admissible in court, the DNA test must be performed by an accredited paternity testing laboratory. Purchasing a paternity test through an unaccredited laboratory is at best a gamble; it may be cheaper, but should you sacrifice quality for such an important test?

To be an "accredited legal paternity test" both NATA and the AABB requires that the DNA sample collection be witnessed by a neutral third party with no interest in the outcome of the test. Furthermore, photographic proof of identity is required to be submitted with the test to verify the identity of the persons submitting the samples.

By definition, home (or "self-collected") paternity tests are not accredited unless they meet the above requirements. Many families opt for a home paternity test kit because it is more affordable and they wish to be discreet. If any laboratory advertises an "accredited home test" without these requirements they are lying and violating AABB and NATA standards.

At GTL Australia, our informational Home DNA paternity Test does not require proof of identity and is therefore not an accredited test. are the same but the sample collection differs greatly.

You may be assured that the only difference between informational home paternity tests and accredited legal paternity tests is the manner of collection. The testing procedures in the lab for both tests are the same and both tests offer the same levels of accuracy.

NATA accreditation site.

Click here for the list of AABB-accredited parentage DNA testing laboratories.

Click here to view our CERTIFICATE OF ACCREDITATION from the AABB.

Click here to view our CERTIFICATE OF ACCREDITATION for ISO 17025:2005.

Learn more about AABB accreditation activities.