Progress in methodology and standards in European molecular genetics laboratories

The enormous expansion in the application of the technologies of molecular and cell biology with the objective of resolving medical problems is discus sed, as well as the problems arising due to this revolution. Progress in me thodology is also reported paying special attention to chip technology. The different types of chips, strategies for readout, and applications are des cribed, The difficulties in achieving common standards in Molecular Genetic s are analysed as well as the need to develop European networks of genetic testing laboratories. Forensic genetics is a particular field where the pro gress in technical and procedural standards has been considerable in Europe an labs. Molecular genetic laboratories with other medical applications cou ld benefit from the progress in standards in the forensic field. (C) 1998 E lsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.