"I deeply value your company and the personal and attentive contact I consistently receive from your genetic counselors"
—Signature client
About Us
Mission Statement
Signature Genomics is dedicated to the clinical use of genomic information and pioneering new, revolutionary diagnostic tools to improve human health and well being.
History and Co-Founders
Signature Genomics’ global headquarters is located in Spokane, Washington where it operates a state-of-the-art array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) diagnostic laboratory.
Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC was established as a partnership between Signature Genomic Services, Pathology Associates Medical Laboratories and Sacred Heart Medical Center. Co-founded by Lisa G. Shaffer, Ph.D. and Bassem A. Bejjani, M.D. in 2003, Signature Genomic Laboratories was the first laboratory to provide microarray-based diagnostic testing of individuals with mental retardation and birth defects with its proprietary SignatureChip®.
Opening its doors with three employees, Signature Genomics began offering testing in March of 2004, and by August of that year was making a profit. In 2007, Ampersand Ventures, a private equity firm focusing on investments in the health care and industrial technology sectors, and in 2008 jVen Capital, a life sciences investment company with a focus in the areas of biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical devices, acquired stakes in Signature Genomics. Signature Genomics now has over 100 employees and has processed over 40,000 cases since its inception..
Drs. Shaffer and Bejjani are experts in clinical genetics, molecular genetics and cytogenetics. Together they have over 30 years of experience in clinical diagnostics and fully understand the potential of new technologies for transforming genetic diagnosis.
Accreditation and Certification
Signature Genomic Laboratories is CAP accredited # 7185391, CLIA certified # 50D1020924 and licensed as an LLC in the state of Washington. Signature Genomic Laboratories is also licensed as an Out-of-State Clinical Laboratory in Rhode Island, Florida, New York, California and Pennsylvania.
Awards and Nominations
- Dr. Lisa G. Shaffer is a National Finalist in Health Sciences for the Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur Of The Year® Award 2009
- Inland Business Catalyst named Dr. Lisa G. Shaffer its 2008 Businesswoman of the Year
- Signature Genomic Laboratories named to Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country for 2008
- Inc. magazine ranked Dr. Lisa G. Shaffer 8th on its list of top female CEOs
- Greater Spokane Incorporated's 2007 Catalyst Award for Company of the Year
- 2005 Semi Finalist for Adaptive Business Leaders, Innovations in Healthcare “Abby” Award