About GenQA

We have one goal - to provide External Quality Assessments (EQAs) for the complete genomics service

GenQA prides itself on being the sole genomics EQA provider to cover the entire clinical genomics service, from patient counselling, sample preparation, testing processes, results interpretation and reporting. At GenQA, laboratories and individual clinicians have access to more than 100 unique EQAs; available for a range of rare and inherited disorders and acquired diseases, and prepared in our purpose-built genomic laboratory. Objective information and advice is offered to diagnostic laboratories and clinical genetics centres determining germline and somatic variant classification and interpretation, for specialist testing covering preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), molecular new-born screening, as well as molecular pathology.  

By advising on the quality of analytical and interpretative laboratory performance, GenQA facilitates optimal patient care.  Our Clinical Genetics Education case scenarios enable clinicians to review their practice and demonstrate continuing professional development.

A source of external review and evidence of Continued Professional Development for individuals comes from our bespoke Genomics Training Assessment and Competence tool (GTACT); providing insights for sample reception, duty scientist, data analysis, variant interpretation and report authorisation.

Individuals can also evidence their competency with the GenQA online tissue assessment EQA module (Tissue-i). The module covers nine tissue types (including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer and sarcoma); with participants marking the regions of tumour they deem appropriate for macrodissection for molecular testing, and providing neoplastic cell content using the online EQA module.

We are constantly reviewing our EQAs to ensure we provide assessments which support the day to day work of genomic laboratories and clinical teams.