GEDNAP
External Proficiency Tests for forensic DNA labs
History
In the 1980s the German Society for Legal Medicine founded a commission with the purpose of organising laboratory proficiency testing for stain Analysis. Later, Prof. Bernd Brinkmann (Münster University) invented GEDNAP (German DNA Profiling) as term for the external DNA Proficiency Test scheme (Rand et al. 2002, 2004).
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.
Laboratories can receive certificates of successful participation
Who can apply?
There are two GEDNAP proficiency tests per year. It is optional to choose one, but it is recommended to participate in both tests.
Participation in the GEDNAP proficiency tests is open to any laboratory, whether a private institute, university institute or governmental laboratory, from any country worldwide.
More than 200 laboratories from 42 different countries participated in GEDNAP 58.
Registration for the 2026 proficiency tests
The registration is possible online at this site. You must first register here and can then conveniently register for the ongoing proficiency tests.
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.
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 04 December 2026 to allow the organising laboratory sufficient time to evaluate. All participating laboratories receive their individual result scores.
Certification of successful laboratories
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.