1. PURPOSE

This Consent to Genetic Testing and Processing of Genetic Information (“Consent”) explains how EasyDNA, a brand operated by EDL International, LLC (“EasyDNA,” “we,” “our,” or “us”), collects, processes, stores, transfers, and uses DNA samples and genetic information in connection with the testing services requested by customers and test participants.

By purchasing, submitting, participating in, or authorizing a DNA test, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Consent and voluntarily agree to the collection and processing of genetic information as described herein.

If you do not agree with this Consent, do not use our website or services.

2. COMPANY INFORMATION

The “Company” is EasyDNA.

The Company is a brand operated by EDL International, LLC.

The Company is not a laboratory. All testing services are performed by independent accredited partner laboratories selected by the Company.

3. CONSENT TO GENETIC TESTING

I voluntarily request or authorize the performance of genetic testing services offered by the Company.

I understand that DNA testing may involve:

  • Collection of buccal (cheek) swab samples or other approved biological samples;
  • Creation of a DNA profile;
  • Analysis of genetic markers;
  • Comparison of DNA profiles;
  • Issuance of a testing report.

I acknowledge that genetic testing results may reveal biological relationships or non-relationships that may not have been previously known.

4. AUTHORIZATION TO PROCESS GENETIC INFORMATION

I expressly authorize the Company and its accredited laboratory partners to collect, analyze, process, transfer, store, and use my genetic information solely for purposes related to:

  • Performing requested testing services;
  • Generating test reports;
  • Quality assurance activities;
  • Accreditation compliance;
  • Legal and regulatory requirements;
  • Customer support activities.

Processing shall be limited to the purposes reasonably necessary to provide the requested services.

5. SPECIAL CATEGORY DATA CONSENT

For residents of the European Economic Area, United Kingdom, and Switzerland, genetic information constitutes a special category of personal data. For California residents, the Company collects, uses, stores and discloses genetic information only as described in this Consent, the Privacy Policy and any applicable order forms.

By submitting or authorizing a DNA sample, you provide consent for the Company and its laboratory partners to collect, analyze, process, transfer and store genetic information for the purpose of providing the requested testing service, related customer support, quality assurance, legal compliance and accreditation requirements.

The Company will not disclose genetic information to third parties for marketing, advertising, insurance, employment or research purposes without an appropriate legal basis and, where required, separate express consent. The Company does not sell genetic information.

Withdrawal of consent may prevent the Company from completing a requested test or providing related services. Withdrawal will not normally affect processing already completed before the withdrawal request was received, nor will it require deletion of records that the Company or its laboratory partners must retain for legal, regulatory, accreditation, tax, accounting, dispute resolution or quality management purposes.

6. TESTING OF MINORS

Where a DNA sample is submitted on behalf of a minor child, the person submitting the sample represents and warrants that they are:

  • The child’s parent;
  • The child’s legal guardian; or
  • Otherwise legally authorized to consent on behalf of the child.

The submitting party is responsible for ensuring that testing is lawful in the jurisdiction where the sample is collected and where the participant resides. Where local law requires consent from more than one person, a court order, a legal guardian, a person with parental responsibility, or another authorized representative, the submitting party must obtain that authorization before submitting the sample.

7. LABORATORY PROCESSING

The Company does not operate its own laboratory facilities.

Testing services are performed by accredited partner laboratories located in various jurisdictions depending upon:

  • Test type;
  • Accreditation requirements;
  • Regulatory requirements;
  • Geographic considerations.

I understand that my sample and associated information may be transferred to a partner laboratory located outside my country of residence.

8. INTERNATIONAL TRANSFERS

Due to the international nature of the Company’s operations, personal information, DNA samples, and genetic information may be transferred between countries.

Such transfers may include:

  • Accredited laboratory facilities;
  • Customer support teams;
  • Technical service providers;
  • Compliance and quality management personnel.

Appropriate safeguards will be implemented where required by applicable law.

9. SAMPLE RETENTION AND DESTRUCTION

Unless otherwise required by law, accreditation requirements, court order, or customer authorization:

  • DNA samples may be retained for up to six (6) months following completion of testing;
  • Samples may thereafter be securely destroyed according to laboratory procedures.

Retention periods may vary where legal or regulatory requirements apply.

Participants may request destruction of stored biological samples where legally permissible. The Company will process such requests subject to identity verification and any overriding legal, accreditation, court, immigration, regulatory or quality management obligations.

10. DNA PROFILE AND REPORT RETENTION

The Company generally retains testing information as follows:

10.1 Peace of Mind DNA Tests

DNA profiles and reports may be retained for up to twelve (12) months following issuance of results.

10.2 Ancestry, Health, Drug, and Pet Tests

DNA profiles and reports may be retained for up to twelve (12) months following issuance of results.

10.3 Legal and Immigration DNA Tests

DNA profiles and reports may be retained for up to sixty (60) months following issuance of results.

10.4 Order Information

Order records may be retained for up to seven (7) years for accounting, tax, legal, accreditation, and regulatory purposes.

11. RESEARCH AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The Company will not use identifiable genetic information for research purposes without an appropriate legal basis and, where required, consent.

Where consent has been provided, the Company may use de-identified genetic information for:

  • Internal research;
  • Validation studies;
  • Product development;
  • Quality improvement initiatives.

De-identified information used for these purposes is not intended to identify any individual participant. Participation in research is voluntary and is not required to obtain testing services.

12. DISCLOSURE OF GENETIC INFORMATION

Genetic information may be disclosed only:

  • To accredited laboratory partners;
  • To authorized individuals identified by the customer;
  • To legal representatives authorized by the participant;
  • Pursuant to court order, subpoena, or legal process;
  • As otherwise required by applicable law.

The Company does not sell genetic information. The Company does not share genetic information for advertising purposes. The Company does not use genetic information for behavioral advertising.

13. RIGHTS OF PARTICIPANTS

Subject to applicable law, participants may have rights to:

  • Access genetic information;
  • Correct inaccurate information;
  • Request deletion of information;
  • Withdraw consent;
  • Restrict processing;
  • Object to processing;
  • Receive information regarding disclosures.

Certain legal, accreditation, and regulatory requirements may limit deletion rights.

14. LIMITATION OF TESTING RESULTS

DNA testing results are based upon the samples submitted and the scientific methodologies employed by the performing laboratory.

The Company does not guarantee any specific outcome or result.

Testing results should not be interpreted as medical advice, legal advice, or immigration advice unless expressly stated otherwise.

15. CHANGES TO THIS POLICY

The Company reserves the right to modify this Consent to Genetic Testing and Processing of Genetic Information at any time.

Updated versions will be posted on the Company’s website and become effective upon publication.

16. CONTACT INFORMATION

Questions regarding this Consent to Genetic Testing and Processing of Genetic Information processing may be directed to:

Data Officer
EDL International, LLC
Email: [email protected]
Postal Address: EDLI, 500 South Main Street, Las Cruces, New Mexico, 88001, United States of America