These Product-Specific Terms are incorporated into and form part of the SecuriGene Consumer Terms and Conditions (the “Master Terms”). Except as expressly modified herein, the Master Terms apply in full to this product. In the event of any conflict, these Product-Specific Terms control solely with respect to these products.
By purchasing or authorizing DNA banking services, you (“Customer”) agree to be bound by these DNA Banking Terms and SecuriGene’s general Terms and Conditions. In the event of any inconsistency, these DNA Banking Terms govern solely with respect to DNA banking services. These DNA Banking Terms apply to the individual authorizing the DNA banking service, whether the service is purchased directly from SecuriGene or through an authorized funeral home or intermediary.
Definition of DNA Banking Services
For the purposes of these Terms, “DNA Banking Services” means the laboratory processing of biological material to extract and preserve genetic material, together with the preparation of authorized deliverables, which may include:
(a) delivery of preserved genetic material in the DNA Capsule;
(b) preparation of authorized reports (including health, ancestry, or other testing); or
(c) both, depending on the options selected at the time of authorization.
Authority and Consent
By authorizing DNA Banking Services, the Customer represents and warrants that they have the full legal right, authority, and capacity to submit the biological sample and to authorize DNA processing, testing (if applicable), preservation, and delivery of any resulting materials or reports.
Where the individual is deceased or a minor, the Customer further represents and warrants that they are the duly authorized estate representative, legal guardian, or otherwise legally entitled decision-maker, and that all required permissions, consents, and authorizations have been properly obtained in accordance with applicable law.
SecuriGene relies entirely on these representations and does not independently verify authority, consent, family relationships, or entitlement. SecuriGene has no obligation to investigate, resolve, or adjudicate disputes among family members, heirs, next of kin, or other interested parties.
Turnaround Times
For DNA Capsule preparation without additional testing, processing is typically completed within 10 to 14 business days from receipt of a usable sample by the laboratory.
Where additional testing is selected (including health, ancestry, kinship, or other testing), processing times may extend to twelve (12) weeks or longer, depending on sample quality, testing complexity, and laboratory requirements. All turnaround times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
Sample Quality and Biological Limitations
The Customer acknowledges that the ability to extract and preserve DNA depends on the condition and quality of the biological sample. In some cases, including but not limited to advanced decomposition, embalming, trauma, chemical exposure, environmental exposure, contamination, or insufficient biological material, it may not be possible to obtain usable DNA.
DNA banking fees cover the attempt to extract and preserve genetic material. SecuriGene does not guarantee that usable DNA can be obtained or that a DNA Capsule will be suitable for any particular future purpose.
Where a DNA Capsule is not selected, fees charged reflect forensic processing in lieu of capsule preparation.
Decision Period for Additional Testing
Where it is indicated that additional testing is being considered, SecuriGene will allow a decision period of fourteen (14) business days from the date the biological sample is received by the laboratory.
For orders arranged through a funeral home or other authorized intermediary, any election to proceed with additional testing (including scope, authorization, and payment) must be submitted through the funeral director or authorized representative who coordinated the original order. SecuriGene does not accept testing instructions, authorizations, or payments directly from individual family members for such orders.
If no valid instruction to proceed with additional testing is received within the decision period, SecuriGene will proceed in accordance with the authorization and consent documentation on file. This may include preparation and shipment of the DNA Capsule, or completion of authorized reports without preparation of the DNA Capsule, as applicable.
SecuriGene is not obligated to delay processing, extend the decision period, or retain material beyond this timeframe unless expressly agreed in writing and subject to applicable fees.
Engraving and Personalization (If Selected)
If engraving or personalization services are selected, the Customer is responsible for reviewing and confirming all submitted names, dates, symbols, and other details prior to production. Once engraving production begins, changes or cancellations are not possible.
While SecuriGene will make reasonable efforts to reproduce submitted text and symbols, certain special characters, diacritics, fonts, or non-standard symbols may not be supported due to technical or manufacturing limitations. In such cases, engraving may be modified, substituted, or simplified to the closest feasible representation. Engraving is cosmetic in nature only and does not affect DNA processing, preservation, or the integrity of the DNA Capsule.
Shipping
Finished DNA Capsule and Materials
DNA Capsules and related materials are shipped to the address specified in the “Shipping” section of the signed Consent Form. The Customer is responsible for ensuring that the delivery information provided is accurate and complete at the time of authorization. No deliverables are provided by email.
Where an order is placed or coordinated through a funeral home or other authorized intermediary, any requests to modify shipping details, delivery instructions, or recipient information must be submitted through the funeral director or authorized representative who coordinated the order. SecuriGene does not accept or process delivery changes directly from individual family members for such orders.
International Shipments
Additional charges apply to all international shipments. Delivery times vary by country and cannot be guaranteed. Customers are responsible for customs duties and delays. SecuriGene is not responsible or liable for any delay, loss, damage, misdelivery, or non-delivery of shipments. All risks associated with shipment transfer to the customer upon release to the carrier.
Shipping to P.O. Boxes and Military Addresses
Express shipping requires a physical street address (no P.O. Boxes). Deliveries to APO/FPO military addresses may take more than 10 business days. Delivery times vary by address and cannot be guaranteed.
Reshipping Fees
If a package requires reshipment for any reason, including but not limited to incorrect addresses, carrier returns, failure to pick up package from access points or for any other reason, additional shipping and handling fees will apply and be calculated on a case-by-case basis.
Limitation of Liability
Once an order has been released to a third-party carrier (e.g., UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, Canada Post, or other), SecuriGene is not responsible or liable for any delay, loss, damage, misdelivery, or non-delivery of the shipment. All risks associated with shipment transfer to the customer upon release to the carrier. Customers are responsible for contacting the carrier directly regarding delivery issues, claims, or address corrections.
No Medical, Legal, or Forensic Use; No Chain of Custody
DNA banking services, preserved genetic material, and DNA Capsules are provided for personal, informational, or archival purposes only. They are not provided for medical, diagnostic or legal purposes.
SecuriGene does not establish, maintain, certify, or verify any chain of custody for DNA Capsules or preserved genetic material after release, and does not guarantee that preserved genetic material will be admissible in court or acceptable to any medical, legal, forensic, or governmental authority.
Any handling, storage, transfer, or use of a DNA Capsule after delivery occurs outside of SecuriGene’s control. SecuriGene expressly prohibits the use of its services, documentation, packaging, or communications to imply or represent the existence of a chain of custody, forensic integrity, or legal admissibility.
Any future use of preserved genetic material, including any attempt to submit such material for legal proceedings, forensic testing, or evidentiary purposes, is undertaken solely at the Customer’s discretion and risk, and without reliance on SecuriGene.
Completion of Service
Once the DNA Capsule and/or associated reports are shipped, the service is considered complete and the file closed, unless additional services are authorized in writing.