IntegraGen's German Competence Centre based in Bonn has received accreditation under ISO Standard 17025 for performing human genetic analyses
The centre has established a leading position with regards to genetic testing for diabetes and offers a comprehensive panel of genetic tests, together with counselling.
Jorg Leenings, head of sales and marketing, said "Our laboratory is headed by scientists that have been among the very first to introduce diagnostic sequencing into human genetics.
"This experience allows us to implement genetic analysis in the fastest and most cost-effective way.
"The ISO accreditation is an endorsement of the very highest standards in good laboratory practice that we have established".
Germany currently has some of the highest levels of diabetes in the world, having 6.3 million people affected by it according to the International Diabetes Federation.
Genes for most of the monogenic hereditary forms of the disease have been identified and IntegraGen offers tests for these including: Mody (maturity onset diabetes of the young); mitochondrial diabetes; neonatal diabetes: and congenital hyperinsulinism.
Accurate identification of the mutation causing the diabetes has considerable advantages for the patient and helps direct the correct drug treatment or intervention.
IntegraGen is also developing a number of additional tests for other genes that are linked to the development of diabetes.
"The ability to screen for genetic predisposition to complex diseases is becoming increasingly important in healthcare.
"By identifying genes which may lead to future illness, more effective personalised prevention programs and treatments are possible.
"Early and accurate genetic diagnosis of chronic conditions such as diabetes is therefore extremely important and, combined with genetic counselling services we can also make sure patients are fully informed about their conditions" said Jan Mous, president and CEO of IntegraGen.
ISO 17025 is an international standard that assesses the technical competency of laboratories and helps to ensure accurate data generation, controlled test methods and procedures, and properly trained personnel.
ISO 17025 covers every aspect of laboratory management, including sample preparation, analytical testing proficiency, report generation and record keeping.
The accreditation, awarded by DAP (Deutsches Akkreditierungssystem Pruefwesen) offers a strong proof of IntegraGen's high-quality testing services.
Mous added "IntegraGen is proud to be one of the few private laboratories in Germany to obtain this globally-recognised accreditation, which further highlights our commitment to provide customers with the highest quality genetic testing services.
"Our ISO 17025 accreditation has placed us among an elite group of international laboratories offering genetic testing under ISO standard and will certainly increase our standing on an international level, where accreditation will soon become a pre-requisite".
