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.
Description of the Service
Autosomal DNA Profiling is a laboratory process intended to extract genetic material from submitted forensic samples and to generate a profile based on autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) markers for purposes of identity investigation or kinship comparison. Forensic samples are non-standard biological specimens, such as objects, tissues, stains, or other materials that may contain DNA. The Service does not include medical, legal, diagnostic, or court-admissible forensic certification.
Acknowledgements
By submitting a sample for the Service, the Customer acknowledges and agrees that:
- Forensic samples vary widely in type, condition, age, and quality, and such variation affects the likelihood of obtaining a usable DNA profile.
- SecuriGene makes reasonable efforts to extract a viable DNA profile, but no guarantees can be made regarding successful DNA recovery, completeness of the profile, or suitability of the profile for any particular purpose, including legal or evidentiary use.
- A non-refundable fee is charged for processing each forensic sample, regardless of outcome or ability to produce a DNA profile.
- The Service may provide a DNA profile that can be used for internal comparison or analysis with other profiles, but SecuriGene does not certify chain of custody, admissibility, or legal validity of any DNA profile unless expressly stated in a separate agreement.
Authority and Consent to Submit Items
By submitting any item, object, material, or biological sample for forensic DNA profiling, the Customer represents and warrants that they have the full legal right, authority, and capacity to possess, submit, and authorize testing of the submitted item and any biological material contained therein.
The Customer further represents and warrants that submission of the item does not violate the rights of any third party, including ownership, privacy, property, estate, or evidentiary rights, and that all required permissions, consents, and authorizations have been properly obtained from any applicable individual, estate representative, legal guardian, or other authorized decision-maker.
SecuriGene relies entirely on the Customer’s representations and does not independently verify ownership, authority, provenance, consent, or legal entitlement with respect to submitted items. SecuriGene has no obligation to investigate, validate, or resolve disputes concerning the origin, ownership, handling history, or lawful possession of any item.
In the event of competing claims, disputed authority, or allegations relating to the improper submission or use of an item, the Customer assumes full responsibility, and SecuriGene shall not be liable for any resulting claims, delays, suspension of services, or disposition of the item or results.
The Customer agrees to indemnify and hold harmless SecuriGene from any claims, losses, or liabilities arising from incorrect, incomplete, or disputed authority or consent relating to the submission or use of any item.
Submission and Handling of Samples
Samples must be submitted following SecuriGene’s current guidelines. The Customer is responsible for proper collection, packaging, and shipment. SecuriGene is not responsible for contamination, degradation, mishandling, loss in transit, or any condition of the sample prior to laboratory receipt.
Turnaround Times
Turnaround times for autosomal DNA profiling vary based on sample type, condition, and complexity of analysis. Estimated processing times will be provided at order placement; however, turnaround times are estimates only and are not guaranteed.
Interpretation and Use of Results
Results are provided in a form determined by SecuriGene and made available to the Customer through an online portal or other communication channel. The Customer is solely responsible for interpreting the results and for determining the appropriateness of any use, including disclosure to third parties.
The generation of an autosomal DNA profile under this Service is limited to the creation of the profile itself. Any subsequent analysis, comparison, or application of the profile including, without limitation, paternity analysis, kinship testing, or other genetic testing, is not included in this Service and requires a separate order, authorization, and acceptance of the applicable product-specific terms and conditions in effect at the time of such request.
The Service does not establish, maintain, verify, or certify chain of custody. SecuriGene does not provide interpretation advice, legal consulting, expert testimony, or court preparation services as part of this Service, and no results are certified for legal or forensic admissibility unless expressly agreed in writing under a separate agreement.
Risk, Sample Handling and Delivery
Forensic and non-standard biological samples submitted for the Service are consumed, altered, or destroyed in whole or in part during the DNA extraction and profiling process. Unless expressly agreed in writing in advance, SecuriGene does not return submitted items, materials, or remnants after processing.
The Customer acknowledges that submission of an item for forensic DNA profiling authorizes SecuriGene to process the item in a manner determined by the laboratory, including consumption or disposal of the item as required to perform the Service. SecuriGene does not assume any duty of safekeeping, bailment, or return with respect to submitted items.
Risk of loss, damage, or degradation of physical samples transfers to the Customer upon receipt by SecuriGene. Delivery of results does not guarantee any specific use, outcome, admissibility, or suitability for any particular purpose.
Fees for Service
Fees for the Service vary based on the type of sample, scope of analysis, and processing requirements. A base price of $350 per sample applies, plus an applicable fee based off the nature and type of sample being submitted. A quote will be provided to the Customer prior to processing, and the Service will not proceed unless the total quote is accepted and payment is received.
Fees are refundable only within fourteen (14) days of the order date, net of applicable shipping, kit, handling, and administrative fees, provided that laboratory processing has not commenced. Once processing has begun, all fees are non-refundable, regardless of outcome.
Payment and refund requests are otherwise subject to SecuriGene’s standard cancellation and refund policies as set out in the applicable Master Terms and Conditions.