DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, contains the genetic instructions for every living organism. People pursue DNA testing for a range of reasons, from uncovering ancestral origins to gaining insights into their health. After sending a sample to a lab, questions often arise about the timeline for results and what happens to personal genetic information long-term. This includes how a sample is handled, how data is stored, and what future possibilities that information might hold.
The Journey of Your DNA: Why Results Take Time
Once your saliva or cheek swab sample arrives at the laboratory, it begins a multi-step journey that explains the waiting period of several weeks for results. The first stage is accessioning, where each sample is logged and given a unique identifier to track it throughout the process. Technicians check to ensure the sample is viable and has not been compromised during shipping, which could require a new sample to be submitted.
Following intake, the sample undergoes DNA extraction. Lab automation isolates the DNA from other components in the saliva, such as proteins and immune cells, by adding chemicals to break open the cells and release the genetic material. Because the initial amount of extracted DNA may be small, the next step is amplification. A process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) creates millions of copies of the DNA, ensuring there is enough material for analysis.
The core of the analysis is genotyping, which identifies specific genetic variations. Most consumer tests use a microarray, a small chip that can read hundreds of thousands of specific points, or markers, in your genome. Your amplified DNA is applied to this chip, where it binds to manufactured DNA probes, allowing automated systems to read your genetic information. Bioinformaticians then use computational tools to analyze this raw data, compare it to reference databases, and generate the reports you receive.
Storing and Managing Your Genetic Material Long-Term
After your initial results are delivered, both your physical DNA sample and your digital genetic data are retained. The physical sample, the purified DNA extracted from your saliva, is stored in a biobank. For long-term stability, samples are kept in ultra-low temperature freezers at or below -80°C to prevent degradation. Some companies allow you to request the destruction of your physical sample, a choice detailed in the consent agreement you sign.
Your digital data, the file containing your genetic information, is managed separately from your physical sample. Reputable companies store genetic data and personally identifiable information, like your name and address, in physically separate, encrypted databases. This separation is a security measure designed to make it more difficult to link your identity to your genetic code. Users have control over their data, with many services offering the ability to download the raw data file or request its permanent deletion.
The policies governing data and sample retention are outlined in each company’s privacy policy and terms of service. These documents detail whether your anonymized data might be used for internal research or shared with third parties for scientific studies. You must provide explicit consent for your data to be used in external research, and you can often opt out if you change your mind later.
Later Insights and Uses of Your DNA Information
Your DNA data is not a static report, as its value and meaning can evolve with scientific knowledge. As researchers discover new connections between genes and traits, the genetic information analyzed today may yield new insights years from now. Some companies will re-analyze your existing data against new findings and provide updated reports without requiring a new sample. For example, a genetic variant of unknown significance today could later be linked to a specific health trait or ancestry detail.
With your consent, your anonymized genetic data can become part of a larger scientific endeavor. Researchers aggregate data from thousands of individuals to conduct genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which identify genetic markers associated with diseases and other conditions. Your contribution helps build the massive databases that fuel medical and scientific progress.
This evolving landscape means the journey doesn’t end with your initial report. Understanding a company’s policies on data use, future analysis, and research is important. These details are outlined in the privacy policy, which explains how you can provide or withdraw consent for research. Being aware of these policies allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your comfort level regarding privacy.