DNA testing – your rights

Your DNA profile and your records must be held in accordance with law to protect your rights.

Just like any of your personal data, you’ll want to be sure that any data or samples you submit for the purposes of DNA testing will remain private and won’t fall into the wrong hands, or be used against you at a later date. By using a private clinic, your rights will fall under the Data Protection Act 1998, and the clinic will also have standard procedures on dealing with your personal information – if you have any queries, just ask the clinic before you book your test.

Your personal details

Private clinics, like all other organisations in the UK, are prevented from using your personal information without your consent. For this reason, it’s important to read everything on any consent form you sign, so that you don’t inadvertently give anyone permission to use the information you give them. There may be “tick boxes” and you should read the information by these, so that you are clear whether you tick them or not, in order to get the result you’re looking for.

The organisation is required to hold your personal details securely, and make sure that no-one outside the organisation can access them. You should only be asked for information that is relevant to the DNA testing in process. If you have any questions about the information you’re asked for, check it out with the clinic.

Your sample

In many clinics, your sample will be destroyed once it has been tested, unless you specifically request that it is stored. Once the results have come through, the clinic will send a copy to you and keep a copy on file. This should be enough for any future reference. Your clinic may also have a policy on how long it retains this information, and you should ask about this. If, for example, the clinic only keeps a copy of your results for 12 months, you would not be able to get a fresh copy of the results after then if you should lose your own copy.

These details refer to your rights under the Data Protection Act 1998 when you choose undergo DNA testing. If you are arrested, the Police have the right to take a DNA sample from you, and your details and the results of DNA testing will then be held in a national database. If you are convicted of a crime, your entry will remain in the database. If you are acquitted or the case against you is dropped, your results will be deleted, although in certain circumstances, the Police can apply for the results to be held for an extended period.

International Biosciences offer a broad range of DNA testing services designed to provide indisputable answers to emotional questions. Whether you seek to establish paternity, prove siblingship or research genealogy, for legal definition or peace of mind, we are able to provide the appropriate DNA testing at competitive rates, professionally and confidentially. Using state of the art technology we are able to provide conclusive evidence on time, every time. Contact International Biosciences on 01342 850945 or click here to email us.

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