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Ministry of Justice puts DNA firm under the microscope

A DNA testing firm in Sunderland has become the only accredited body in the region to be approved by the Ministry of Justice to carry out court-directed tests for determining the parentage of a child.

Complement Genomics Ltd, based at the North East Business and Innovation Centre in Sunderland, is one of a select number of laboratories across the UK to achieve ISO17025 accreditation, awarded by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

Courts have a statutory power, under section 20 of the Family Law Reform Act 1969, to direct a scientific test to ascertain the parentage of a child when one party refuses testing. dadcheck®, the Complement Genomic’s paternity testing service, is now on a list of only seven accredited DNA testing bodies, kept by the Ministry of Justice, for courts to access under these circumstances.

Louise Allcroft, director and co-founder of Complement Genomics Ltd, said: “The market for human identity testing is rapidly increasing and having our work recognised in a courtroom is a great achievement for us. We are thrilled to have received the support we needed to successfully gain this prestigious accolade.”

Firms applying for ISO17025 accreditation must meet strict criteria as defined in this internationally recognised quality standard and Complement Genomics sought training and consultancy support from Business Link to ensure it was fully prepared to apply for the award.

Paula Bennett, Business Link account manager, said: “The knowledge and skills of staff are central to maintaining a competitive business. Employees at Complement Genomics are experts in their field.

“I am pleased that we have been able to provide Complement Genomics with the support required at such an important stage in its ongoing development and I would like to congratulate the firm in attaining the accreditation.” Complement Genomics currently employs four permanent members of staff alongside two students and is looking to create two new human identity positions in the coming months.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .