Mission: to improve the quality of laboratory testing in the nation's clinical and public health laboratories by enhancing the use of evidence-based laboratory practices through policy development and laboratory health services research

What We Do

The DLS Genetics Group is housed within the National Center for Preparedness, Detection and Control of Infectious Diseases (NCPDCID) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, GA. Our work can be broken into three categories:

1. Translating Science to Practice
2. Promoting Professional Competency & Best Practices
3. Promoting a Framework for Quality in Genetic Testing

Within DLS, we work to improve the public's health through continuous improvement of genetic testing practices. Our public health professionals work with other global, federal and state agencies and professional organizations to ensure appropriate regulatory and voluntary oversight, accurate test performance and reporting, availability of appropriate reference materials and correct interpretation of genetic test results. We work to improve the quality of laboratory genetic testing and its application in clinical and public health settings by enhancing the use of evidence-based laboratory practices through policy development, laboratory health services research, and partnerships with private and public communities.

Translating Science to Practice

DLS has also convened experts in the fields of rare diseases to discuss and create "action items" that will best serve those affected by rare diseases. Outcomes from these meetings include the

1. CETT program and the North American Laboratory Network, addressing test translation from research to clinical settings
2. The Genetic Testing Reference Material Program (GeT-RM) is tasked with increasing the availability and access to reference materials useful for the development, validation, and quality control of genetic tests.

Promoting Professional Competency & Best Practices

The DLS Genetics Group is also actively involved in the promotion of appropriate test use and clinical decision-making. Our work has helped establish an evidence-base through which effective communication between laboratory and clinical settings can be achieved.

• One sentinel project that produced well-received results is the Genetics in Clinical Practice: A Team Approach CD-ROM, developed in collaboration with the Dartmouth School of Medicine. This CD-ROM is endorsed by the American College of Medical Genetics, the American Medical Association, and has been integrated into the curriculum of several medical schools.
   

• The genomic competencies were created to aid in promoting a better health care setting.
   
• The Genetic Testing Electronic Quality Information Portal, GeT-EQuIP. We partnered with our colleagues at the National Institutes of Health’s, Office of Rare Disease to integrate the GeT-EQuIP resource with their Genetics and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD). Together, this combined portal directs users to reliable information on various conditions and serves as a powerful information source for practitioners, physicians, and the public.
   
• DLS is collaborating with laboratory and clinical communities in assessing and improving upon the means by which genetic test results are reported from laboratories to clinical professionals and used to facilitate appropriate clinical decision making. This effort is aimed toward assuring that clinical benefits are achieved and not compromised by misunderstanding of laboratory results.

Promoting a Framework for Quality in Genetic Testing

DLS has sponsored several assessments of US laboratory practices relevant to genetic testing to define the landscape of quality assurance. These assessments have led to conferences to address challenges and solutions that related to laboratory quality control material needs, rare disease testing and biochemical genetic testing.

One of our main responsibilities is to manage and receive advice from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Advisory Committee (CLIAC), which is charged with advising the Department of Health and Human Services on matters related to the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations and laboratory practice issues relevant to health care. Working with CLIAC, we developed a guidance document on good laboratory practices for Molecular Genetic Testing, fact sheets, and questions and answers.

Through our many partners, DLS Genetics Staff have been influential in promoting quality, national and international guidance. Through participating with standard- and guideline-development organizations such as

• The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
   
• Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)
   
• Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
   
• EuroGenTest, and
   
• The Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics Health and Society (SACGHS),

Who We Are

DLS staff members have expertise in several different disciplines, including chemistry, microbiology, immunology, genetics, bioengineering, economics, information technology, public health and statistics. These varied backgrounds fuse to create the dynamic environment in which we are able to work with national and global leaders in the field of genetic and clinical laboratory testing. An integral part of our staff is the interns, fellows, and career development awardees that we sponsor. Learn more about internship, fellowship, and career development positions.