GEDNAP – Proficiency Tests for forensic DNA labs
Organising international DNA profiling proficiency tests
- History
- Who can apply
- Registration for the proficiency test
- Submission of DNA test results
- Certification of successful laboratories
1. History
The Stain Commission was founded by the German Society for Legal Medicine in the 1980s with the purpose of organising laboratory proficiency testing for stain analysis (Rand et al. 2002, 2004). Later, Prof. Bernd Brinkmann (University of Münster) invented GEDNAP (German DNA Profiling) as term for this external DNA Proficiency Test scheme.
Initially designed for German-speaking (and a few Dutch and Scandinavian) laboratories, widespread participation by other nations has made the GEDNAP proficiency tests one of the largest stain-DNA profiling quality control exercises in Europe and possibly internationally.
Successful laboratories receive proficiency certificates.
2. Who can apply?
Participation in the GEDNAP proficiency tests is open to any laboratory, whether a private institute, university institute or governmental laboratory, from any country worldwide.
Any participant using a substitute or affiliated laboratory is welcome to participate but is not eligible for final certification.
In 2019, more than 200 laboratories from 42 different countries participated in GEDNAP.
There are 2 GEDNAP proficiency tests per year. It is optional to choose one, but it is recommended to participate in both tests.
3. Registration for the 2025 proficiency tests
The registration will start on 01 April 2025. Please use the on-line registration form.
Anonymity
Each incoming registration is assigned a code number (laboratory number, LTAN) in chronological order of receipt for that year. This ensures an unbiased treatment of each laboratory, and enables laboratories to maintain anonymity at all stages of the subsequent evaluation process.
4. Submission of DNA test results
The test samples are prepared in the organising laboratory according to the recommendations laid down by international organizations.
Each participating laboratory receives, by mail, a set of stains, along with documentation necessary for returning the results.
Participants are requested to return the results by the closing deadline of 05 December 2025 to allow the organising laboratory sufficient time to evaluate. All participating laboratories receive their individual result scores.
5. Certification of successful laboratories
A certificate is issued by the organising laboratory, stating that the participating laboratory has successfully passed the proficiency test (e.g., for the specified loci, if applicable).
False results (errors) are explicitly mentioned (“not passed”).
The certificates are completed by the organising laboratory, counter-checked & signed by the Chairman of the GEDNAP Proficiency Tests.
Laboratories have the right to appeal at this stage if a typographical error has been made by the organising laboratory. When the certificate is sent out, information to this effect is included in the accompanying letter.