Underscores Quality of deCODE's Laboratory and Tests, Fulfilling Key Federal and State Certification Requirements and Broadening Marketing Channels

REYKJAVIK, Iceland, May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN) today announced that its CLIA-registered DNA isolation and genotyping laboratory, which processes the company's deCODEme(TM) personal genome scans and risk assessment diagnostic tests for several common diseases, has been accredited by the American College of Pathologists (CAP) following a recent inspection. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has granted the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program deeming authority, and its accreditations can also be used to meet many state certification requirements.

'We believe that testing for genetic risk factors for common diseases is going to play a central role in refocusing our healthcare system on prevention and early intervention. deCODE has led the way in discovering validated genetic risk factors for diseases with a major impact on public health, and in bringing to market products that put this knowledge in the hands of individuals and their doctors. Quality - in our world-leading science and in-house genotyping and data analysis - sets us apart from our competition in the field of personal genomics. CAP certification serves to emphasize this advantage and will enable us to provide our products to an ever wider public,' said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE.

The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the 1960s, is an internationally recognized program for certifying laboratory quality based upon inspections conducted by practicing laboratory professionals. CAP inspectors examine a laboratory's records and quality control of precedures for the preceding two years; the qualifications of all staff; equipment and facilities; safety program and record; and overall management. The inspections program is designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients.

About the College of American Pathologists

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is a medical society that serves more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance.