Diabetes Autoantibody Standardization Program (DASP)

DLS develops materials and methods to improve measurements of autoantibodies that are predictive of type 1 diabetes. These are the most sensitive and meaningful measures for predicting this disease. Historically, autoantibody measures have been variable among laboratories; therefore, DLS established the Diabetes Autoantibody Standardization Program (DASP) in collaboration with the Immunology of Diabetes Society. The goals of DASP are to improve laboratory methods, evaluate laboratory performance, support the development of sensitive and specific measurement technologies, and develop reference methods. Currently, 48 key laboratories from 19 countries participate in DASP.