What is DNA Banking?
DNA Banking is a means of conclusively identifying you or your child. While photos, fingerprints and footprints can
change, your DNA profile remains unchanged. The process of DNA Banking is similar to making a deposit in a savings
account or safety deposit box -- the DNA samples are collected and then are "banked" and retained for safekeeping until such
time as the "depositor" or tested party or other authorized person desires access to the samples. You can now have peace
of mind knowing that you, your child, family member, employee or associate can be positively identified regardless of
circumstances.
Storage and preservation of a patient's DNA is available for up to twenty-five (25) years.
We offer both "peace of mind" and "chain of custody" DNA Banking. Anyone who anticipates their DNA may be needed
for legal issues should have their DNA collected following a legal "chain of custody". Otherwise, it would not be court
admissible.
Who should have their DNA Banked or Stored?
- Anyone who wants a guaranteed method of identification under any circumstances.
- Child identification. A family can keep their child's DNA in a safe place in the unlikely event of disappearance
or abduction. This is used instead of fingerprinting.
- Employers with employees whose work poses an increased exposure or risk. This includes employees in environmentally
dangerous situations, employees who travel seldom or frequently, abroad or within the United States.
- Employees of embassies.
- Anyone who would like a method of evaluating kinship as a part of their estate planning.
- Attorneys who wish to protect the assets of clients with large estates. Wealthy persons who wish to protect their
estate from any fraudulent claims will bank their DNA in the event future paternity, maternity or siblingship testing
is needed.
- Life insurance companies who wish to protect against insurance fraud.
- Parents with children who want to ensure a method of locating their child should they become lost or get abducted.
- Military personnel.
- Corporate personnel traveling and working outside the U.S. or in hostile environments.
- Members of law enforcement.
- Future genetic testing. Almost daily there are new genetic testing developments. Thus, it becomes more important
for families to preserve DNA for future genetic testing. Knowing your genetic risks can help you choose risk-reducing
behaviors and medications.
Cases where DNA Banking would be beneficial
In cases where DNA analysis is needed to make body identification, the samples which are often available for testing are
less than desirable. This was true in the cases of the attack on the World Trade Center and the attack on the Twin Towers
in New York. Had there been DNA samples available from the victims, the process of identification for family members
would have been much simpler. Statistics show that of the 2,792 people lost in the World Trade Center attach,
only 1,268 have yet to be identified. The medical examiner's office still has thousands of unidentified remains
from the 911 attack. Of the approximately 1,500 victims identified, 785 were tagged by DNA analysis alone, with another
100+ being identified by dental records alone.
How are samples collected?
It is a very simple process. We will arrange for the collection at one of our collection sites. Using a buccal
swab (looks like a long Q-tip cotton swab), a DNA sample is collected inside both cheeks.
Home collection kits are also available. We do not, however, recommend that DNA samples be kept at home since
humidity, moisture and high temperature could render the samples unusable. Through AGTS, you can be assured your DNA
sample will be stored in a secure, climate-controlled facility, which is protected from the elements and from theft or
tampering. With a properly sealed and stored sample, a DNA sample can last for an indefinite period of time, thus ensuring
the sample will be usable should an emergency occur.
How do I get my DNA Banked?
Call us and we will assist you in setting up an appointment at a collection site.
