OMRF Genomics Center earns CAP accreditation

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation’s Clinical Genomics Center.
OMRF’s Clinical Genomics Center is an internationally recognized resource providing scientific researchers with the latest technologies in DNA sequencing, genotyping, and gene expression data. Now, with CAP accreditation, the facility will be able to offer these services to clinicians, as well.
“This allows us to expand our genetic analysis beyond research space and into clinical diagnostics, which is important for helping with healthcare,” said facility director Patrick Gaffney, M.D. “We would like to partner with local healthcare providers to offer genome sequencing tests for those who may be suffering from genetic diseases.”
Gaffney said he expects most clinical work will initially focus on pediatrics to help diagnose a wide spectrum of rare hereditary diseases in children. The facility specializes in studying the genetic basis of rare diseases through a process called exome sequencing. The exome represents roughly two percent of the human genome, so this type of testing allows scientists to more directly focus on pinpointing genetic mutations.
The federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960s, as equal to or more stringent than the government’s own inspection program.
During the CAP accreditation process, inspectors conduct an onsite inspection and examine the laboratory’s records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record, and overall management.
“We’ve had tremendous success in the research space with this genomics facility, and we feel confident we can go into a clinical setting and provide these services to physicians and families, as well,” said Gaffney. “We are thrilled for the opportunity and grateful to the College of American Pathologists for this recognition.”