Funeral Planning: Why it is Important to Preserve DNA

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.