Before you begin
Questions families ask
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.
Additionally, any individual wishing to store their DNA for identification purposes or compliance or regulatory reasons (i.e. a military contractor) can consider preserving their DNA in the SecuriGene DNA Capsule.
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.
Your banked DNA can be stored indefinitely inside the DNA capsule. The sample is ready for testing at any time.
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.
DNA preservation takes 10-14 business days to complete from the date the samples are received by our laboratory.
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.