DCI America

As noted in our previous article, “DNA: An Effective Tool for Assisting Tribes in Preserving Their Heritage,” enrollment committees and councils who choose to use DNA testing as part of the tribal enrollment process often face concerns regarding the quality and integrity of DNA testing laboratories. Specifically, concerns may include confidentiality, “ownership” of the samples and test results, and what happens to the samples after testing is complete. Because there are many DNA testing laboratories to choose from, it is imperative for tribes to understand the difference between an accredited and nonaccredited laboratory, and even delineate the differences in quality among accredited labs. Below are some outlined steps that may help you to choose the right DNA laboratory:

Step One: Research
The first step in choosing a DNA laboratory should be RESEARCH. Researching a laboratory will assist the tribe in determining whether the laboratory is accredited, reputable and reliable. Below are some points to consider when selecting a DNA laboratory:

• Accreditation is vital when choosing a lab, and you should verify a laboratory's accreditation via the websites of the accrediting bodies. The most widely accepted accreditation in the relationship testing industry is AABB (www.aabb.org); others include the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and ACLASS Accreditation Services (for ISO Standards). An accredited laboratory follows the minimum standards for laboratory procedures set by accrediting bodies. Accreditation is voluntary and is a sign of the lab's efforts to achieve quality assurance. Because accreditation bodies set minimum quality standards, it is best to ask a laboratory how their procedures go above and beyond the minimum requirements.


• Experience is another very important factor when choosing a laboratory. There are several aspects in this area that should be considered. The laboratory's scientists should have had experience in a wide variety of complex family relationship testing situations, so that the lab can be prepared to analyze any difficult cases that might come up. Experience in understanding tribal enrollment is also a must. Choosing a laboratory that is knowledgeable about tribal enrollment and has experience in working with tribal agencies will be beneficial in developing an efficient process within your tribe.


• A laboratory's reputation should precede them. You will want to select a laboratory that is recognized or well known in the genetic testing industry. Recognized by hospitals and physicians, as well as by the courts - not a laboratory that is new to the field. Credentials of the laboratory's professional and/or technical staff should also be researched for their experience in the genetic testing field in addition to the laboratory's business ethics.


• Reliability. You can assess a laboratory's reliability in meeting its commitments by requesting that the laboratory provide referrals from other tribal agencies that they work with on a routine basis.

Step Two: Contact
After researching a specific laboratory, you may want to contact the laboratory directly to inquire about their services, their company history, as well as their quality assurance program. Contacting the company directly will help you evaluate their customer service and their ability to assist your tribe with its specific needs.

• Services:
  • What type of DNA testing services do they offer?
  • Do they have the ability to resolve difficult situations or relationship scenarios?
  • Do they have a specialized team to handle Native American tribes?
  • Do they offer training or onsite consultations, if applicable, to tribes?
  • Will they be able to customize or tailor their services to fit the tribe's needs?
  • What type of confidentiality policy do they have in place?
• Credibility & Experience:
  • How long has the company been in business?
  • What accreditations does the laboratory hold?
  • What is the capacity and size of the laboratory?
  • Do they currently work with any tribes or have they in the past?
  • Do they welcome onsite visits or company tours?
• Quality
  • What type of quality assurance programs do they have in place?
  • How do they ensure the accuracy of their test results?
  • What type of security and confidentiality policies do they have in place?
  • What happens to the samples once testing has been completed?

Step 3: Finalizing Your Choice
To help you finalize your choice for a DNA laboratory, you can submit a few cases to help evaluate or assess the laboratory's ability to meet your expectations.

• Evaluate:
  • Customer service availability – Were they easily reached, knowledgeable, and professional?
  • Fees – Were they competitive?
  • Testing time – How long did it take to get results?
  • Documentation – Did they have customized reporting, invoicing, chain of custody documentation?
  • Special requirements– Did they meet scheduling needs and deadlines? Were the results released as instructed?

Many tribes have turned to DNA testing as a means of validating eligibility for their enrollment process. In addition to your customary criteria, choosing a laboratory that will provide accurate and reliable DNA testing services can assist in determining the eligibility of your tribal members.

In conclusion, when selecting the right DNA laboratory, it is important to choose a laboratory that understands the importance of protecting your Native American heritage, and is committed to serving Native American communities.