If you are considering having a DNA test then one of the first things you need to look at is where you can find accredited DNA testing labs. These labs are accredited by AABB or ISO who ensure that you receive proper DNA testing that is of a high standard.
If you have DNA testing labs in your area that you would like to work with phone first and check whether they are accredited with the AABB or ISO. Also ask them whether they belong to any other standard setting bodies or quality assurance associations.
This is also important if you are using search engines or other websites to find a DNA testing lab. Most of those that are accredited will mention somewhere on their website that they are accredited or will contain a logo or link to the AABB or ISO.
You can also use the AABB website at www.aabb.org to find DNA testing labs. On their website they have a directory of DNA testing labs in the USA and Canada that are AABB accredited along with their phone numbers and the city they are in. This is probably the easiest way to find an AABB accredited lab.
By ensuring that you choose an accredited DNA testing lab you can know that you are getting good quality DNA testing and that the lab meets certain standards. AABB describes its parentage testing program on its website as “based on standards for the performance of tests for parentage and provides for the assessment and accreditation of laboratories performing parentage testing. A list of AABB Accredited Parentage Testing Laboratories specifies those laboratories in the US that have attained AABB accreditation in parentage testing. There are over 40 accredited parentage testing laboratories. This accreditation helps laboratories achieve quality performance”
If you are searching for DNA testing labs we would suggest that you first look at the directory on the AABB website. If you are contacting DNA testing labs in your area then ask them whether they are AABB or ISO accredited and if you are searching on the search engines for DNA testing labs then check that they are accredited with AABB or ISO (this information should be freely available on their website).