DNA Banking Overview

DNA banking preserves the opportunity for future research or clinical testing and may provide critical opportunities for surviving relatives.

– American Association of Clinical Oncology

What is DNA Preservation / DNA Banking?

DNA preservation (also known as DNA banking) is the secure preservation and long-term storage of an individual’s unique genetic material.

Why is it Important?

DNA contains valuable information about each individual, from the color of their hair, eyes and other physical traits, to their inherited health risks, medical conditions and ancestral roots. Preserving DNA allows you to capture all of this information forever. Whether you choose to preserve DNA as a meaningful way to cherish your loved one, or for tracing hereditary health conditions in your family, DNA banking creates opportunities that would otherwise be lost forever.

Who Should Preserve DNA?

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.

How Can Banked DNA be Used in the Future?

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.
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Top 5 Reasons to Preserve DNA

1. Store DNA for Future Testing

   Banked DNA lasts indefinitely and can be accessed for testing at any time. A wide range of genetic tests are currently available for everything from ancestry testing to disease predisposition testing and more are yet to come.
2. Document Hereditary Diseases in the Family

   75% of all diseases can be traced back to our genetic makeup. Many of the genetic mutations that cause cancers and other hereditary diseases have been identified. Preserving your family’s DNA is an important step in tracing the root cause of hereditary diseases and paves the way for targeted treatments in the future.
3. Create New Opportunities for Ancestry Testing

   Trace your ancestral roots using DNA. As more markers are identified, DNA ancestry testing will become much more powerful than it is today. DNA banking is a great way to keep a record of your family’s DNA, opening new doors in this exciting field and creating opportunities that were never available before.
4. Prevent DNA Degradation

   Without proper purification and preservation techniques, enzymes and contaminants will eventually break down the DNA in any sample. DNA preservation ensures the long-term viability of a sample for future testing purposes.
5. Open Doors for Personalized Medicine

   Studying your family’s DNA may assist doctors in determining which treatment plans will work best for you, and which ones will be ineffective. This technology is already being used to determine the tolerance, optimal dosage level and effectivity of drugs used in heart disease and cancer patients.