Abstract
There is currently no oversight for canine clinical genetic testing laboratories. We published an initial set of standards and guidelines with the goal of providing a basis for which canine testing laboratories could evaluate their quality assurance programs. To further those standards and guidelines, we have developed a checklist that can be used as a self-evaluation to identify gaps in their programs for continual quality improvement over time. Because there is currently no organization willing to oversee an external proficiency program, the checklist provides the first step toward an internal, self-assessment that can be used periodically to monitor improvements. In addition, we attempt to address concerns from the canine community regarding rare or private mutations, genetic screening using array-based technologies, non-peer reviewed tests that are being offered, and the clinical validity of certain mutations in particular breeds. Through coordination, conversation and hard work, the canine genetic testing community can strive to organize to improve testing and to provide more transparency to consumers and better outcomes for dogs.
Highlights
The role and responsibility of the clinical laboratory are to translate new genetic discoveries into clinical tests to make them available to breeders and dog owners with the goal of improving breeding programs and the overall health of dogs
To further the understanding of how these standards and guidelines can be used in the clinical laboratory and to address some concerns since its publication, we will take a ‘deeper dive’ into the world of clinical genetic testing and present a checklist that can be used by laboratories wishing to identify gaps in their current quality assurance programs with the goal of continual improvement. This issue of Human Genetics, dedicated to canine genetics, provides many examples that demonstrate the advances made in canine genetic disease discovery and testing
Following the example set by human genetic clinical testing, canine genetic testing reported directly to the consumer or veterinarian should be restricted to commercial and university laboratories that meet the minimal standards as outlined (Shaffer et al 2018)
Summary
The role and responsibility of the clinical laboratory are to translate new genetic discoveries into clinical tests to make them available to breeders and dog owners with the goal of improving breeding programs and the overall health of dogs. Following the example set by human genetic clinical testing, canine genetic testing reported directly to the consumer or veterinarian should be restricted to commercial and university laboratories that meet the minimal standards as outlined (Shaffer et al 2018).
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