A standardized framework for the validation and verification of clinical molecular genetic tests

The validation and verification of laboratory methods and procedures before their use in clinical testing is essential for providing a safe and useful service to clinicians and patients. This paper outlines the principles of validation and verification in the context of clinical human molecular genetic testing. We describe implementation processes, types of tests and their key validation components, and suggest some relevant statistical approaches that can be used by individual laboratories to ensure that tests are conducted to defined standards.European Journal of Human Genetics advance online publication, 28 July 2010; doi:10.1038/ejhg.2010.101.