Quality Systems

NSAI certification

IdentiGEN Ltd. of Dublin, Ireland, obtained the globally recognized ISO 9001:2000 certification on January 18, 2008 from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). This important step signifies IdentiGEN Ltd.’s commitment to quality, both internally and for its clients. The audit preceding certification was performed in December 2007.

ISO 9001 accreditation is an assurance that IdentiGEN has established a systematic approach to quality management that is recognized and respected internationally. The accreditation process includes assessment of IdentiGEN’s commitment to quality, customer focus, adequacy of resources, employee competence, process management, quality planning, product design, review of incoming orders, purchasing, monitoring and measurement of processes and products, calibration of measuring equipment, processes to resolve customer complaints, corrective/preventive actions and commitment to pursue continual improvements.

USDA Certification

IdentiGEN, Inc., based in Lawrence, Kansas, received USDA Process Verified Program (PVP) approval for DNA TraceBack® on October 9, 2007 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The DNA TraceBack system enables retailers, meat producers, meat processors and food-service outlets to respond to the growing consumer demand, both domestically and in export markets, for more information about where and how their meat is produced. DNA TraceBack utilizes DNA identification technology — in a manner akin to that used for forensic investigations — to identify and trace the source of meat products through the entire supply chain.

The USDA Process Verified Program uses the International Organization for Standardization’s ISO 9000 series standards for documented quality management systems as a format for evaluating program documentation to ensure consistent auditing practices and promote international recognition of audit results.

This vote of confidence from the USDA in the DNA TraceBack system will help gain acceptance of the program among grocery retailers, and ultimately, consumers and provides assurance to customers of our ability to provide consistent quality services.

*Additional information can be found at http://processverified.usda.gov/.

BSE Diagnostic Service certified

In December 2006, Dublin-based IdentiGEN Ltd. received accreditation under ISO Standard 17025 for its rapid BSE diagnostic services to help identify cattle with BSE (”mad cow disease”). The accreditation was awarded by the Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) and certifies that IdentiGEN’s Dublin laboratory meets or exceeds the international ISO 17025 standards and guidelines for rapid BSE testing established by the International Organization for Standardization.

ISO 17025 is an international standard that assesses the technical competency of laboratories and helps to ensure accurate data generation, controlled test, methods and procedures, and properly trained personnel.

The ISO 17025 accreditation process covers every aspect of laboratory management, including sample preparation, analytical testing proficiency, report generation and record keeping. As an officially approved Department of Agriculture testing laboratory in Ireland, IdentiGEN was also required to satisfy the applicable requirements of relevant European legislation.

IdentiGEN believes in added-value relationships through a sustained, quality-driven culture geared towards meeting the expectations of our customers.

The adoption of 9001, ISO 17025 and USDA PVP reflects our ongoing efforts to ensuring unsurpassed consistency in our procedures and accuracy in our results. IdentiGEN is committed to good professional practice through quality in testing, support and service.