Effective January 1, 2008, DDC's Laboratory Director, Dr. Michael Baird, is chairman of the Chair of the Relationship Testing Standards Program Unit of the AABB (formerly American Association of Blood Banks). In this capacity, Dr. Baird is leading the committee to develop the 9th edition of the Standards for Relationship Testing Laboratories, the main standards DNA paternity testing laboratories must follow in order to receive AABB accreditation.
This appointment, made by the AABB Board of Directors, marks the second time that Dr. Baird has been asked to take a leadership position at the AABB. In 1996 through 2002, Dr. Baird was Chair of the then-Parentage Accreditation Program Unit. Most recently he served as the International Liaison to the Relationship Testing Accreditation Committee, responsible for AABB accreditation applications from around the world. He has been a laboratory inspector for the AABB since 1986. His current term at the AABB will last 4 years.
"I am honored to be selected to chair the Relationship Testing Standards Committee of the AABB. I look forward to a productive tenure with the committee, which will include revision of the current 8th Edition of the Standards for Relationship Testing Laboratories, presentation of educational sessions at the annual AABB meetings on relationship testing, and incorporating new technology into relationship testing," says Dr. Baird.
As laboratory director at DDC, Dr. Baird is responsible for the overall quality, efficiency, and compliance of all laboratory services. Dr. Baird has over 30 years of experience in the field of DNA testing. "DDC supports Dr. Baird in his continuing leadership role at the AABB," says Jim Hanigan, spokesperson for DDC. "His contribution to DNA testing is legendary, and his involvement to review the standards is critical for our industry. The Standards Program Unit can benefit greatly from his experience."
The AABB guidelines have always been the most widely accepted standard for DNA testing laboratories. Although currently, family relationship DNA testing is not regulated by government bodies, most courts and government agencies, including the USCIS, require that an AABB-accredited laboratory perform a DNA test that will be used to settle legal matters, such as inheritance, child custody, and immigration.
About DDC
DNA Diagnostics Center (http://www.dnacenter.com) is the world's largest provider of private paternity tests. Since 1995, DDC has performed hundreds of thousands of genetic tests for clients around the world. DDC offers comprehensive DNA testing services in several specialty areas: family relationship testing, forensics, and veterinary DNA testing. As the leading force in the private DNA testing industry, DDC was one of the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes for stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC's unique Dual Process™ ensures results of unmatched quality and reliability.
DDC's quality DNA testing services are nationally and internationally recognized by a number of professional accrediting organizations such as ACLASS (for ISO/IEC-17025), the AABB, the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors--Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB-International), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).