Frequently Asked Questions

About DNA Banking

What is DNA banking?
DNA banking is the secure preservation and long-term storage of an individual’s genetic material. Banked DNA will remain intact for potential future use.
Why is DNA banking important?
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.
Why is DNA preservation an important consideration when planning a funeral?
At death, the information coded in a person’s DNA begins to degrade. DNA Banking is the best option for families who wish to preserve the genetic legacy of their loved ones and also create opportunities for genetic testing if ever required by future generations to understand the source and nature of diseases within the family.
Can DNA preservation be done after cremation or embalming?
The cremation process destroys DNA. It is critical to perform a collection prior this procedure. If the body has been recently embalmed, DNA collection may still be possible. Please contact our laboratory ASAP at support@securigene.com or call us at 1 (877) 714-6359 to make arrangements. Please note, extra charges may apply for forensic samples.
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 and ancestry testing. With rapid advances in genetic testing technology, the number of diseases that can be identified through genetic testing is steadily increasing.
How can DNA banking benefit the health of my children and future generations?
A large number of serious diseases can be traced to our genetic makeup. Having a clear picture of a family’s genetic history can assist future generations in understanding their health risks and allows them to take preventative measures early to mitigate the devastating effects of disease before it is too late.
What is the typical turnaround time?
14 business days from the date samples are received.

DNA Banking Capsule

What goes into making the DNA capsule?
Each capsule is precision-carved from a solid block of 316L surgical-grade stainless steel using CNC machines. The glass chamber that houses the DNA is made from borosilicate glass – the same material used on the tiles of space shuttles, or on the Triton submarine that explores the deepest depths of the ocean. We introduced a triple-seal system on every capsule to protect the banked DNA from moisture and other harmful contaminants. The DNA within the capsule has been extracted and purified to remove any damaging enzymes that may break down the DNA over time, resulting in a pure sample that lasts indefinitely and can be used for testing at any time down the road.
How long will banked DNA last inside the capsule?
Banked DNA can be stored indefinitely for future use.
If I need to test the DNA in the future, do I have to bring the DNA capsule back to SecuriGene?
No. The DNA is ready for use 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. Click here to download the sample recovery protocol.
How do I store banked DNA?
Your banked DNA capsule can be stored safely at room temperature. No freezing or special storage conditions are required.
If genetic testing is required in the future, can the DNA be re-preserved and used again?
Any DNA remaining after genetic testing can be re-preserved for future use. Simply send the unused portion back to SecuriGene for re-preservation.

About the Laboratory

Is SecuriGene a trusted name in DNA banking technology?
SecuriGene’s processing laboratory is one of North America’s oldest and largest genetic testing facilities. Our testing laboratory meets and exceeds industry standards, with accreditations and certifications by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and the College of American Pathologists (CAP).
What does SecuriGene offer that other laboratories do not?
SecuriGene’s unique DNA preservation methods have been developed, tested and perfected from the ground up to completely eliminate the need for cryogenic freezing, allowing families to keep the DNA of their loved one in the comfort of their own home without any measurable loss of quality over time. Our DNA collection kits are designed to collect up to 5000x more DNA than traditional collection methods such as buccal swabs, ensuring sufficient quantities of high quality DNA for running a multitude of complex genetic tests in the future. Unlike companies offering novelty DNA products that are not verified or certified for medical applications, SecuriGene certifies each banked sample for quantity, optimal purity and future usability. Our testing laboratory is also one of the only facilities in the world to earn the full panel of laboratory accreditations, holding us to the highest standards in the industry for reliability and consumer protection.
Where are you located?
Our main 33,000 sqft laboratory is based in Vancouver, Canada. We have over 1500 collection locations across North America serving the private, legal, medical and funeral community.
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Pricing

Pre-Need (saliva collection kit for the living)
Pre-Need DNA banking kits are offered at $389 plus shipping.
At-Need (blood collection kit for the recently deceased)
At-Need DNA banking kits are offered at $498 plus shipping.

Please note, your funeral home or sample collector may charge an additional fee for sample collection.
Additional DNA Capsules
Up to 3 additional capsules can be ordered using one kit at the cost of $250 for each additional DNA capsule. To order, simply indicate your request on the consent form. PLEASE NOTE: Our laboratory will split the sample from 1 tube evenly into multiple capsules. For individuals wishing to maximize the amount of DNA inside each capsule, we recommend ordering 1 kit per capsule.
Autosomal DNA Profiling
Our 16-marker DNA profile is offered at $350. To order, please indicate your request on the consent form inside your kit.

Privacy

Who has control over the DNA sample? Is my information kept private?
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 use your sample for any unauthorized testing or share your private information with any unauthorized third parties.