Abstract
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) was first performed over 20 years ago and has become an accepted part of genetic testing and assisted reproduction worldwide. The techniques and protocols necessary to carry out genetic testing at the single-cell level can be difficult to master and have been developed independently by the laboratories worldwide offering preimplantation testing. These factors indicated the need for an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for monogenic disease PGD. Toward this end, the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology came together with United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Services for Molecular Genetics, to create a pilot EQA scheme followed by practical EQA schemes for all interested parties. Here, we detail the development of the pilot scheme as well as development and findings from the practical (clinical) schemes that have followed. Results were generally acceptable and there was marked improvement in results and laboratory scores for those labs that participated in multiple schemes. Data from the first three schemes indicate that the EQA scheme is working as planned and has helped laboratories improve their techniques and result reporting. The EQA scheme for monogenic PGD will continue to be developed to offer assessment for other monogenic disorders.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to thank the members of all the participating laboratories and acknowledge the funding from the UK Clinical Pathology Accreditation Trust for the initial pilot EQA. Thank you also to Coriell Cell Repositories, USA for their permission to use the samples for the purposes of this EQA scheme, along with the staff of the Northern Genetics Service, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and Genoma, Italy, for their help and support of the EQA scheme.
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Deans, Z., Fiorentino, F., Biricik, A. et al. The experience of 3 years of external quality assessment of preimplantation genetic diagnosis for cystic fibrosis. Eur J Hum Genet 21, 800–806 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2012.244
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/ejhg.2012.244
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