Funeral planning is often very stressful and many important decisions may be overlooked. It is crucial for family members to consider saving a DNA sample of their loved one when planning a funeral, as it is the last opportunity a family has before DNA collection is no longer possible.
DNA encodes information about every individual, ranging from hair color, eye color and other physical traits, to inherited health risks, family medical conditions and ancestral origins.
When a person passes away, this information is often lost forever – making DNA banking a vital end-of-life consideration. This information can also be valuable for future healthcare purposes, as medical professionals are increasingly relying on genetic testing to determine different cancer types, optimal drug dosage levels, and heritable disease risks to help other members of the family.
When you choose to bank DNA, a small sample is collected by the funeral home and sent to the SecuriGene laboratory for processing. At the laboratory, DNA is extracted, purified, preserved, then hermetically sealed inside a glass and stainless steel SecuriGene DNA Capsule, which is returned to you along with full reports certifying the quantity and quality of the sample.
Please note that DNA collection is no longer possible after cremation or embalming. Should you wish to order this service, please notify your funeral service provider as soon as possible, and place your order here.
For more information on DNA banking, please visit www.DNALegacy.com.
SecuriGene DNA Capsule
When tasked with creating the SecuriGene DNA capsule, our industrial design team had to meet several criteria: quality, functionality & aesthetics.
Quality
Only the best materials available were used in the manufacturing of the DNA capsule. Solid blocks of 316L surgical-grade stainless steel were shipped to our processing facility and carefully machined using the latest in CNC technology to individually create each capsule. We tested the integrity of over 20 different types of glass before choosing the one used for our DNA capsule. Each DNA capsule is assembled and polished by hand.
Functionality
We designed the SecuriGene DNA capsule to protect your sample from moisture, contaminants and physical damage. A triple-seal system was created to lock out external contaminants, and a desiccating unit was incorporated into the design to actively remove moisture within the capsule. The external steel walls of each capsule are 3mm in thickness and perfectly rounded to fully protect the glass chamber when closed.
Aesthetics
The SecuriGene DNA capsule was intended to be passed on from generation to generation. We wanted to create an elegant, sleek, timeless design without compromising the practical features of the capsule. It was important for us to create a vessel worthy of the individual it protects within. Our designers were inspired by the design of the large bolts found on bank vaults, and decided to create a capsule to reflect that same level of security.
For more information about the DNA Capsule, please click here.
Authorized Collection Locations
DNA Banking services are now offered in Over 1000 funeral homes across North America.DNA banking is the secure preservation and long-term storage of an individual’s unique genetic material. 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.
When a family chooses to preserve DNA, a small sample is collected by the funeral home and sent to our laboratory for processing. At the laboratory, DNA is extracted, purified, dried, and then hermetically sealed inside a SecuriGene DNA capsule, which is returned to the family along with full reports certifying the quantity and quality of the sample.
To find a partnered funeral home location near you, please contact us.
Funeral homes wishing to offer DNA banking services can sign up here.
