DNA BANK

• What is DNA?
• How long does DNA last?
• What is DNA preserved for?
• What benefits can it bring to the family?
• Why keep DNA in a Biobank?
• Steps to be taken
• Legal Guarantees

What is DNA?
It is the part of the cell that contains the instructions for operation of each cell of the organism.
It is in charge of transmitting genetic information to the next generation.
It is shared (to a greater or lesser extent) among family members.

How long does DNA last?
A person's DNA exists prior to birth, remains throughout their life, and lasts beyond their death.

What is DNA preserved for?
Although DNA is preserved after death, it is difficult to access it after burial, and impossible if the person has been cremated.
The DNA Bank of the UPV/EHU is able to preserve the DNA of a deceased person for as long as the family wishes.

What benefits can it bring to the family?
To determine hereditary genetic diseases and their genealogical transmission.
To prevent pathology and ailment.
To determine which drugs are the most suitable for certain pathologies.
To determine questions of biological kinship (paternity, maternity and other family relations) in cases, for instance, of claims regarding surnames or inheritances.
To identify missing family members.
To identify family members with high-risk jobs (workers in foreign countries, soldiers, firemen, etc.) who have been victims of catastrophes, or accidents, or even natural disasters.
To preserve genetic history.

Why keep DNA in a Biobank?
Because it guarantees the preservation of samples in optimum conditions, their strict safekeeping, and total confidentiality. This also enables analyses to be carried out that are of legal value in the case of litigation.

Steps to be taken
If you are interested in this service, the following are the steps to be taken:

Legal Guarantees
Data and samples pursuant to the Law governing Protection of Data and Regulations governing Mortuary and Cemetery Sanitary Policy 202/2004.