Project Objectives : Practical and lasting objectives

The overall aims of the EuroGentest project are to:

• Establish a network of quality across Europe.
• Promote research, proper utilization, quality control and assurance and adequate management of genetic services.
• Harmonize the accreditation and certification of genetic testing laboratories and the EQA schemes for cytogenetics, biochemical and molecular genetics at a European, regional and national level throughout Europe.
• Establish procedures and guidelines for the validation of methods and technologies.
• Identify present and future needs for Reference Measurement Procedures and Materials for genetic testing.
• Provide genetic healthcare workers, the end-users and healthcare authorities with a portfolio of quality-assured information sources and informatic tools that are subject to validation and quality procedures.
• Improve the quality of genetic counselling services in connection with genetic testing in different European countries.
• Prepare a directory of organizations that provide and produce educational material for the public. Institutional courses and education for genetic training (e.g. Masters degree) will be evaluated and criteria for quality defined.

In addition, EuroGentest aims at becoming a model for similar initiatives in developing countries and will provide appropriate support for their development. The proposed program will create a leading European Network of Excellence based on the four principles of medical ethics.