Chapter 29 - Quality Assurance in Genetic Laboratories

Abstract

With advances in genetic research and technologies, diagnostic genetic testing has become an integral part of health care. Quality requirements and quality assurance are particularly high in genetic testing because tests are typically performed only once in a patient’s lifetime, which increases the potential harm of an error, and results may have major implications not only for individuals who are tested but also for their relatives. This chapter provides information and some background on the most important parameters of a quality management system and laboratory accreditation.