Save Your DNA for a Rainy Day
Throughout our lives, we all like to keep mementos of the special things that are close to our hearts. We do this in the form of making photographic memories, sharing verbal stories that give meaning to our families and culture, and passing down items of sentimental or familial value to the younger generations, so that they may one day do the same. Did you know that there are other ways of leaving a legacy for the future, one that may seem out of the ordinary and a little unheard of? Amazingly, you can save your own unique DNA, which could benefit future generations of your family, as well as preserving your genetic legacy for your family to remember you by. As everyone knowns, our DNA contains a comprehensive blueprint of a person. Preserving this DNA gives families the opportunity to capture and safeguard this precious genetic information, establishing a connection that is everlasting.
EasyDNA Australia offers a range of DNA storage options for families looking to memorialise their loved ones. DNA storage is also an option for those wanting to leave their genetic information for their families, ensuring that they have access to their past. So, who is DNA storage actually for? There are a range of people who benefit from DNA storage solutions. These include:
- Families
- The general public
- Legal organisations
- Aged care facilities
- Funeral homes and mortuaries
Stored DNA can be used for in a variety of situations, including paternity relationships, missing persons cases, deceased estates, identification in times of disaster, and for those wanting to discover aspects of their medical history. This essentially means that if you have opted to store your DNA, it can later be used for a number of useful investigations and can be the key to unlocking the past and moving on in the future. DNA storage can help to answer those burning questions about genetic relationships that can often divide families. Stored DNA with extracted profile lasts indefinitely and can be accessed for testing at any time. Storage periods can be arranged for 3, 5, 10 and 15 years.
There are legal and non-legal options for DNA storage. The legal option is beneficial for individuals involved in deceased estate disputes, paternity and other familial matters, and for those working in high-risk professions. The Legal option includes:
- Chain of Custody DNA Storage kit to doctor, samples returned to lab for storage
- Chain of Custody Profile + DNA Storage – Kit to doctor and samples returned to lab
- Option to store profile with legal team
- Legal profile provided to client
The Non-Legal option benefits people who want to achieve peace of mind about leaving a legacy when they pass away, or for those wanting to leave a lasting memento of their genetic profile. The Non-Legal option includes:
- Peace of Mind Self Storage Kit Only includes 1 x Blood Spot FTA Card, 2x Blood Lancets, alcohol wipe, and storage pouch with desiccant
- Peace of Mind profile samples sent to lab, kit for self-storage
- Consent forms included for DNA Profile
So maybe it’s time to explore how you want to leave your unique mark for generations to come and save your DNA for a rainy day. Your family will love that they can remember you, both with the memories that you’ve made over your lifetimes, but also on a practical level that will help them and their children to learn more about what really made you tick, your DNA.