MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT: The moment we've been anxiously waiting for has finally been achieved. IMF laboratory processing for SNPs using Next Generation Sequencing is officially ISO 17025 accredited as a forensic testing laboratory by ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).The scope of our accreditation now includes:
- Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms using Next Generation Sequencing (To generate profiles for Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy)
- DNA Profile processing using Next Generation Sequencing (STR/YSTR on NGS)
- DNA Profile processing using Traditional Forensic DNA methods (STR/YSTR on Capillary Electrophoresis)
- Body Fluid identification (Forensic Serology)
We are so proud of the hard work and tireless dedication from our IMF laboratory family and all of our external partners that led to this achievement. Accreditation is an essential function of our laboratory's quality management system and, while it can be a difficult process, we are very proud of this achievement. We hope that this will instill confidence and assure the highest level of quality in the outputs of our laboratory.
With our accreditation fully in hand, we intend to launch all of our services in earnest in the next days/weeks. This is especially true of our Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy services. You'll see more major announcements this week as we shed some light on all of the intense work we've been doing behind the scenes to prepare for this moment.
A special thank you to the ANSI National Accreditation Board assessors and staff. The advanced technologies and processes we employ are very much considered "novel" within the Forensic DNA community. ANAB was an amazing partner to find the right assessment team and resources and work with our laboratory to get these cutting edge technlogies included within our laboratory's scope of work. Thank you!
This accomplishment culminates a three year journey of blood, sweat and tears that began with laboratory construction which has now emerged as a fully accredited non-profit forensic DNA laboratory with all the tools in our forensic toolbox to truly "change the world".
Thank you to our amazing board of directors, our tireless CEO, Karra Porter and the Intermountain Forensics Laboratory family, Derek Cutler (Laboratory Director), Sara Walker (DNA Technical Leader), Elena Rojas (Lab Manager), Alyssa McElreath (Forensic Molecular Biologist) and Deborah Dilley (Executive Director). A warm thank you to all of our external partners and all of our supporters and donors who have helped us to get where we are today.
We hope you all can take a moment and celebrate with us!
Thank you so much!
-Danny