Largest Private Paternity and DNA Testing Provider DDC Hires Genetics Expert

FAIRFIELD, Ohio, March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DDC (DNA Diagnostics Center), the largest provider of private paternity and other DNA testing in the U.S. and worldwide, announced today that genetics and molecular biology expert Dr. Richard Chmelo has joined the DDC team to spearhead the Company's expanded research and development efforts for the creation of groundbreaking new DNA tests. In addition, DDC has acquired new SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) DNA testing instrumentation, which further paves the way for the company to expand its current test offerings.

"With the hiring of Dr. Chmelo, DDC has further expanded its commitment to offer an ever-growing selection of new and innovative DNA tests," said Peter Vitulli, DDC President and CEO.  "With Dr. Chmelo's expertise in genetic testing research and development, we're confident that we can build an even wider range of DNA testing unparalleled within the market."

Dr. Chmelo has more than 25 years experience with genetic test development and implementation. He has been recognized for the successful development, validation and launch of numerous products, assays and SNP-based genetic panels. "Over the years, research and technology have worked hand in hand to advance what's possible in the field of genetics and molecular biology," Dr. Chmelo said. "As a researcher, it's exciting to be able to put new tools to use and work with a company that is committed to quality, accuracy, and the integration of new technology."

DDC recently added the Illumina® BeadXpress® instrument to its state-of-the-art laboratory. This provides Dr. Chmelo and DDC's scientists another way to analyze an individual's DNA by looking at genetic markers called SNPs. SNP technology was used to map the human genome, and will be used by DDC scientists to investigate possible genetic variations among people, and expand into new testing frontiers.

In addition, DDC also provides DNA tests for paternity, adoption, forensics, immigration, and animal testing. For more information: www.dnacenter.com or 1-800-362-2368.

As the largest provider of private DNA paternity and other DNA tests in the U.S. and worldwide for more than 16 years, DDC (DNA Diagnostics Center) offers comprehensive DNA testing services for paternity and other family relationships, forensics and ancestry. DDC Veterinary, the animal DNA testing division, provides innovative, quality DNA testing for companion and sport animals. DDC was the first to adopt robotics technology in its laboratory processes, ensuring highly stringent and efficient handling of DNA samples. DDC's unique Dual Process™ ensures all professionally collected DNA samples are independently tested twice producing legal results of unmatched quality and reliability. DDC is recognized through a number of accreditations nationally and internationally achieving perfect ratings in its past 16 inspections including those performed by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). DDC is also accredited by ACLASS to meet the standards of ISO 17025 and the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratory Accreditation Board International and follows the DNA Advisory Board (DAB) guidelines, which attests to DDC's superior forensic testing service.

SOURCE DNA Diagnostics Center