Questions About DNA Banking

DNA preservation (also known as DNA banking) is the secure preservation and long-term storage of an individual’s genetic material. Preserved DNA will remain intact for potential future use.

DNA contains valuable information about a family’s health risks, medical conditions and ancestry. By preserving DNA, you are ensuring that this precious information is readily accessible to future generations. With rapid advances in genetic testing, genetics will play an increasingly important role in understanding a family’s disease risks, allowing families to be proactive in managing their health.

Anyone can preserve their DNA, but it is particularly important for families with a history of disease such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. DNA banking can take place at any time in life, but it becomes particularly urgent for elderly family members and family members who have a critical illness where DNA must be collected as soon as possible before it becomes too late.

A sample is collected from the individual whose DNA will be preserved. The sample which is collected contains cells, and most of the cells in our body contain a full set of genetic information in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). A person’s DNA represents a “genetic blueprint” and contains information about a person’s ancestry, health conditions, and traits. Preserving an individual’s DNA ensures that the genetic material is available for future genetic testing if required. At the laboratory, the DNA is extracted from the cell, then purified, concentrated and preserved for long term storage at room temperature. Preserved DNA will not degrade over time and will be readily available at any time in the future for genetic testing. The preserved DNA and a DNA Banking Report which indicates the quantity and purity of the banked DNA are sent to the clients as soon as the DNA preservation is completed. The banked DNA can be stored indefinitely at room temperature.

DNA can be used for a wide range of genetic testing applications including disease testing, health risk analysis, identity testing, ancestry testing, and many other tests as they become available in the future. The DNA stored in every capsule is ready for testing at any time. Simply give your DNA capsule directly to the DNA laboratory that will be performing your genetic testing and they will be able to use it immediately. Learn more about recovering DNA samples by viewing our  Sample Recovery Protocol »

A large number of serious diseases can be traced to our genetic makeup. Having a clear picture of a family’s genetic history can assist future generations in understanding their health risks and allows them to take preventative measures to mitigate the devastating effects of disease before it is too late.

Your banked DNA capsule can be stored safely at room temperature. No freezing or special storage conditions are required.

Your banked DNA can be stored indefinitely inside the DNA capsule. The sample is ready for testing at any time.

No. The DNA is ready for use at any time. Simply give your DNA capsule directly to the DNA laboratory that will be performing your genetic testing and they will be able to use it immediately.

Any DNA remaining after genetic testing can be re-preserved for future use. Simply send the unused portion back to SecuriGene for re-preservation.

You have complete control over your banked DNA. SecuriGene extracts, purifies and preserves your DNA at our laboratory, then sends the banked DNA back to you for safekeeping. Your privacy is very important to us – we do not keep any of your DNA on site nor do we share your private information with any third parties.

SecuriGene’s main processing laboratory is one of North America’s oldest and largest genetic testing facilities. Our testing laboratory meets and exceeds industry standards, with accreditations and certifications by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

SecuriGene uses state-of-the-art technology to properly extract, purify and preserve High Molecular Weight (HMW) DNA to last indefinitely at room temperature. Most laboratories store samples in a laboratory freezer, making it difficult for you to access. Our collection methods are also designed to collect up to 5000x more DNA than traditional methods, ensuring sufficient quantities of high quality DNA for running complex genetic tests in the future.

At death, the information coded in a person’s DNA begins to degrade. DNA Banking is the best option for families who wish to preserve the genetic legacy of their loved ones, and create opportunities for genetic testing if ever required by future generations to understand the source and nature of diseases within the family.

Cremation and embalming destroys an individual’s DNA. It is critical to perform a collection prior to either of these procedures.

DNA preservation takes 7-14 business days to complete from the date the samples are recieved by our laboratory.