Public Consulation on Genetic Testing

The Guidelines offer principles and best practices for human genetic testing by encouraging high quality laboratory practices in the collection and handling of samples and data, result reporting, education and training, and where possible, the clinical validity and utility of the tests.

The Guidelines are meant to encourage quality assurance systems for human genetic and genomic testing, guarantee the international exchange of clinical samples and access to data on rare disease testing, as well as help meet OECD member countries’ efforts to supply high quality healthcare to their citizens. Currently, quality assurance of genetic testing in most countries is regulated on a voluntary basis and introduction of international guidelines will aid harmonisation of genetic testing systems.

The OECD is seeking input from people involved in molecular genetic testing. Patients’ groups, health authorities, genetic testing laboratories and others are invited to comment before 4 September via e-mail at: sti.bioQAguidelines@oecd.org or through the site: www.oecd.org/sti/biotechnology/qualityassurance

For further information of the OECD’s work in the field of biotechnology and genetic testing, journalists are invited to contact Elettra Ronchi in the OECD’s directorate of Science, Technology and Industry by e-mail at Elettra.Ronchi@oecd.org