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 discussed, as well as the problems arising due to this revolution. Progress in methodology is also reported paying special attention to chip technology. The different types of chips, strategies for readout, and applications are described. The difficulties in achieving common standards in Molecular Genetics are analysed as well as the need to develop European networks of genetic testing laboratories. Forensic genetics is a particular field where the progress in technical and procedural standards has been considerable in European labs. Molecular genetic laboratories with other medical applications could benefit from the progress in standards in the forensic field.