Families may need extra time to decide on this service. The “Still Deciding” option allows you to collect a DNA sample in advance, and prevents delays for cremation or burial.
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Funeral homes often charge families a non-refundable deposit for sample collection ($50-$100), which is entirely at your discretion. 
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Please place the sample in refrigeration for up to 1 week while the family decides.

Yes! If the body has already been embalmed, collect both a pea-sized tissue sample, and pluck 50 strands of hair with the roots attached. Do not use a blood collection kit.
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(Please note: DNA preservation cannot be performed after cremation or burial)

According to the National Association of Medical Examiners, acceptable samples for post-mortem DNA analysis include: blood, tissue, bone, or hair.
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The Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences published a study in 2019 comparing the quality of 320 postmortem DNA samples collected using buccal swabs vs. blood. This study showed that “Full DNA profiles were obtained from all blood samples.” while “...18.7% of buccal swabs yielded partial profiles, while 6.7% failed completely.“
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For these reasons, buccal swabs are not recommended for post-mortem samples.
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Furthermore, it is important to note that any cleaning agents used to sterilize/sanitize the mouth will destroy any remaining DNA. In order to provide high-quality DNA back to the family, our collection kits include supplies to collect tissue and hair. Our tissue kits are optimized for a quick collection - it takes about 30 seconds to obtain a small, pea-sized amount of tissue with our supplies.

We can ship collection kits using priority overnight shipping, at no cost to the funeral home. Please call us at 1-877-714-6359 before 2pm PST (5pm EST) to schedule an express shipment of supplies to your funeral home for quick next-day delivery.
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Alternatively, you may submit a supply request through here or send us an e-mail at info@securigene.com.

Simply fill out the consent form, collect a sample, and send it to our laboratory using the prepaid shipping package enclosed in the kit. It’s that easy! If you have any questions please feel free to contact your dedicated Account Manager, send us an e-mail or call us at 1 (877) 714-6359.

We provide full support to families in your care. If a family has a question pertaining to DNA preservation or testing, feel free to have them give us a call at 1 (877) 714-6359, or e-mail us at support@securigene.com.

Additionally, feel free to share our info sheets with them:
Ancestry: www.securigene.com/ancestry
‍Health: www.securigene.com/health
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If families wish to preserve DNA, but are still undecided on the other test options, we recommend shipping the sample to SecuriGene first in order to prevent further degradation to the DNA.
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If the family would like to speak with one of our specialists, please provide a callback number in the comment section of the consent form, and we will contact the family as soon as the sample arrives at our lab.