STN achieved the stringent ISO 9000 standards to attain the ISO 9001 : 2000/SS ISO 9001: 2000 certification on 27 October 2006. The scope of Quality Management System (QMS) certification of STN is “The collection, processing, archiving & distribution of bio-specimens and associated clinical data”. The QMS structure is shown below:
Quality control
All Singapore Tissue Network’s research materials are subjected to stringent quality control measures. The Singapore Tissue Network provides an excellent chain of custody of samples offered by the use of a centralized Laboratory Information System offering:
Tracking of samples from phlebotomy to cell line and DNA distribution
Unique barcodes assigned for individual samples eliminating transcribing errors when labeling.
Storage of DNA and cell lines in separate aliquots and locations for disaster recovery
Cell line viability testing following cryo-preservation
Quality control and testing of DNA samples:
Gel electrophoresis and DNA purity by A260/A280 ratio
DNA profiling and spot checking to monitor for contamination, ensure single source sample origin, DNA integrity and verification of same sample source in consented linkage studies
Quality control on tissue samples:
Tissue transmittal log sheet H & E slide of matched disease and normal tissue samples
