Home DNA Storage Kit
FAQ

1. The ultimate personal identification method is one's own DNA.
2. DNA can be used to positively identify an individual or link an individual to a particular place by leaving biological material containing DNA behind.
3. DNA can be used to determine relationship identity, i.e. paternity issues.
4. DNA is the ultimate method to positively trace family lineage for genealogy research.
5. Archive your family's DNA for whatever future needs may arise.
6. Your DNA is an invaluable template of personal information that you can pass down to future generations.
7. With our GenoFam kits you control your DNA and Storage.
8. When the time comes you or your family member can send the sealed envelope to a DNA laboratory to be analyzed.
9. The DNA can be prepared directly from the paper and analyzed by a laboratory

The FTA ® paper is very sensitive and you can contaminate the sample area. We do not supply gloves with our kits because of the added expense and extra packaging requirements. You can purchase a full box of latex or vinyl exam gloves from your local drug store for very little money. New gloves should be used for each new sample taken.

Even while wearing gloves, do not touch the sample area on the FTA ® Card. You should also avoid sneezing, spitting, coughing, or breathing on the sample paper.

The GenoFam Plus 1™ Kit collects one DNA sample per person.

No, the GenoFam™ kit and the FTA ® technology employed in the kit is not classified for use by the FDA as a "medical device." Our kits can be used for identification and other purposes not used for medical diagnostics. Medical devices are regulated by the FDA.

Samples are collected using a foam-tipped applicator. The tip of the applicator could cause your infant to choke.

The special paper utilized is called FTA ® and is patented by Whatman Biosciences. FTA stands for "Flinders Technical Associates" after is place of conception in Australia. In general, cells from the cheeks and gums are deposited onto the sample paper. Nontoxic chemicals embedded in the paper break open the cellular contents exposing the DNA. DNA is then extracted onto the paper.

Special chemicals help to protect the DNA in addition to deactivating most harmful bacteria and viruses. The paper card has a flap that further protects the DNA sample from being touched. When sealed in the specially designed 7-layer envelop, the DNA is protected from light, air, and the physical environment that would otherwise degrade it over time.

The sample can be directly analyzed. A small 1.2- 2mm circular punch is taken from the FTA ® paper and placed into a micro-centrifuge tube (a very small plastic test tube). Buffer, enzymes, and DNA building blocks are added to the sample. The small amount of sample DNA is then increase by a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Specific gene regions of interest are duplicated until enough DNA is available to be directly analyzed by various laboratory methods.

No, the chemicals embedded in the paper are nontoxic, but we do not recommend that you touch or place the paper into your mouth. The FTA ® Card is very sensitive and you can easily contaminate the paper.

Yes, once the DNA is extracted and sealed within the protective envelope it can be sent to the laboratory or to anyone else via normal mail service. Harmful viruses and bacteria are left inactive by chemicals embedded in the paper and the sample is not considered a biohazard.

No, although FTA ® technology is a highly effective storage method, future DNA recovery is dependent upon many factors including proper sample collection, proper storage conditions, etc... No DNA storage method is 100% foolproof.

So far, stability studies have shown DNA to remain stable for twelve years on FTA ® Cards stored at room temperature . It is estimated that the DNA will last for decades.

It is unlikely, the collection usually has to be done by a third party and proof of identity must be confirmed through photos and notarization. If you need this level of service you should consult legal council.

The FTA ® Card actually extracts the DNA from your cells. It then preservers and protects the DNA from degradation over time. All of this occurs in one simple step. At room temperature. In your file cabinet. At a low cost to you. When needed, the stored sample can be directly prepared and analyzed by the laboratory .

Other collection and storage techniques require further processing steps that may cost you more money. In addition, you may be less likely to recover a quality DNA sample in the future. Alcohol can preserve cells and thus DNA; but this is not the best method. You have to be concerned about 'wet' storage in alcohol and degradation over the years. FTA ® technology utilizes a stable dry storage environment. For a large fee, a DNA bank can store your DNA in cold storage. This is a good method; but it's expensive, and they have control of your DNA and Storage, not you. Many labs are turning to FTA ® technology for their storage needs.

Ospreon does not endorse any particular testing facilities. We suggest looking in your local phone book for an accredited laboratory or search the Internet.