The completion of the Human Genome Project and other scientific advances
will eventually lead to greatly expanded application of genetic tests to screen
for, diagnosis and treat human diseases and conditions. For many of these new
tests positive Quality Control (QC) materials may not available. Even now, some
widely used molecular genetic tests, such as the recommended panel of tests for
carrier screening for cystic fibrosis, must be performed without a positive QC
material for all of the tests included in the panel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes
of Health (NIH), and the National Institutes for Standards and Technology have
recognized the need to develop positive QC materials to support many current and
new genetic tests. They have invested in efforts to produce materials suitable
for QC of genetic tests. This conference has three main goals, which form the
basis for the structure of the meeting: 1) to review the current and future needs
for QC materials for genetic tests; 2) to describe the efforts of researchers to
produce materials suitable for positive QC for genetic tests and the applicability
of these materials to current and future testing methods; and 3) to develop a
sustainable, practical means to provide QC materials to genetic testing
laboratories at a reasonable cost. The CDC and several other key members of the
health care industry are hosting a conference in Atlanta on September 15-16, 2003
to review current and anticipated needs for positive QC materials and to initiate
a process to develop a sustainable process to make these materials available to
genetic testing laboratories at a reasonable cost.
All of these processes will be developed in partnership with professional
laboratory and clinical organizations, governmental agencies, industry, academics,
and other interested parties. You are encouraged to participate in this important
event. Since attendance at this conference is limited, you are urged
to register online as soon as possible.
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