Data security

Data security

In hardly any other area is data security such an important issue as in genetic diagnostics. That is why we have integrated numerous security measures into our processes to ensure the security of your data.

Data separation

A customer's identity is kept separate from the analysis results and each is stored on an independent security server. Authorized personnel can only establish the connection between this data by fingerprint verification and entering a password. In this way, even if the computer is stolen, the data is completely safe.

Fingerprint Verification

During the analysis process, the staff must verify themselves with fingerprints several times in order to carry out the next step of the analysis or to evaluate the results. If a computer terminal is not used for two minutes, it deactivates and can only be activated again with a valid fingerprint. In this way, the results and processes are only accessible to authorized personnel.

Encrypted sample identity

Upon receipt of a sample, it is provided with an encrypted numeric code, after which the customer data is uploaded to the security server and securely locked. Only this numerical code is used for the course of the analysis and the identity of the customer is not visible even to the personnel carrying out the analysis.

Online Safety

Only doctors who have been authorized by the editors have access to the SSL-encrypted login area. No patient master data is displayed online. Analysis results can only be called up with an encrypted numerical code. This will only be communicated to the authorized doctor by post.

Encryption for external analysis

If the sample has to be analyzed in an external laboratory, it will be provided with an encrypted numerical code before it is sent. In this way, even the conducting laboratories do not have access to the customer's identity. Data security is thus guaranteed even in this process.

Process security

The possibility of sample mix-up must be ruled out at all times and each sample must be analyzed within the prescribed period. Our specially developed system marks each sample with a 2D data matrix barcode after it has entered the human genetics laboratory. This allows you to track your sample during the individual analysis steps. Mixing up samples is impossible and you can be sure that your result is absolutely correct!

Certainty of results

The standard of quality assurance measures for genetic analyzes is strictly regulated by law. In addition, other quality assurance measures were developed to ensure the highest possible standard of genetic analysis. Analysis results with great medical relevance are examined several times, independently of each other, to ensure the accuracy of the results. This ensures that the genetic analyzes meet the highest standards of accuracy, meaningfulness and data security. Each of our partner labs is tested for staff and lab qualifications.

Verification by independent laboratories

In order to monitor the accuracy of the results, the laboratories regularly take part in round robin tests, in which samples are analyzed by an independent laboratory and the results are cross-checked. In addition, samples with previously known genetic defects are routinely analyzed in order to control the processes and results.

Code of Conduct

We and our partner laboratories follow a strict code of conduct to ensure the seriousness and quality of our genetic testing and screening programs. Our code of conduct ensures that our high standard is maintained in the future.

The causes and mechanisms of genetic and epigenetic health disorders and diseases are one of the central topics of human genetics. The knowledge gained from basic research and from numerous studies is being used more and more in personalized / individualized medicine. In almost all areas of medicine, a wealth of new and precise diagnostic options and therapeutic approaches are thus emerging.

This inevitably leads to an increase in offers and providers in these areas, including the so-called "direct-to-consumer (DTC)" offers, which the customer can initiate himself, sometimes without medical supervision. In Germany, among other things, this is regulated by the Genetic Diagnostics Act (GenDG). We think this makes a lot of sense and in this context we follow the guidelines of the European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG).

European Journal of Human Genetics advance online publication, 25 August 2010; doi:10.1038/ejhg.2010.129