GENEALOGY-DNA-L Archives

Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2001-01 > 0979337879


From:
Subject: [DNA] GeneCard
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 17:17:59 EST


Hi Orin:
I am working on a draft for a paper to be submitted to a journal called
"Community Genetics". I am enclosing some information - please note it is a
draft and not to be used for other publications. In terms of security issues
you will see that the actual biological material is stored (and coded) at one
place and the name of the person (coded) at another.

A DNA bank is like any other bank. You deposit your valuables (biological
material in this case) you want to keep safe and you have access to it only
when decided by the account holder (you). In the text, we describe the
necessity to abide to the recommendations of the American Society of Human
Genetics.
++++++++++++++++
The GeneCard is a (plastic) card developed by SecureCard Technologies
(Phoenix, AZ) and GeneTree, Inc. (San Jose, CA) containing a DNA profile
(described below), a fingerprint, a picture of the account holder, along with
additional identifying information. The card comes with printed genetic
profile, or DNA fingerprint, if requested by an account holder (Figure 1).
The genetic profile represents three markers, providing greater than 99%
positive identification. The DNA markers that are used are selected from the
list of CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) associated markers designated by
the FBI. The FBI has developed this national DNA databank to:
1) Improve assistance in identifying, by DNA typing, suspects of violent
crimes or missing persons and
2) develop capabilities of forensic laboratories by providing software to
conduct DNA casework and perform statistical calculations.
(See: http://www.promega.com/profiles/303/303_10/).
GeneTree uses CODIS-associated DNA identification systems recognized by the
FBI and other forensic laboratories in order to make identification easily
accessible, and possible for a wide variety of laboratories to use for
matching identifications. Privacy is further guaranteed by use of a password
protection system that is accepted by many of the consumers.
The GeneCard has been in demand by parents who would like to insure all
available information for identification purposes of their children. The card
has been used in situations when people would like to have immediate
information delivered to the police for identification purposes.
Additionally, the GeneCard contains a magnetic strip storing digital
information (Figure 2). The magnetic strip contains a code to a database.
DNA banking is a sensitive issue and several aspects need to be considered
[3]. Banked DNA is the property of the depositor unless otherwise stipulated
in a legal document such as a Last Will and Testament. Therefore in all
situations there is an explicit contract between the account holder and the
DNA banking facility. Deposited DNA can be used for purposes unrelated to the
original request of the depositor only with the expressed consent of the
depositor. The GeneCard has been used in the following cases:
1) Identification purposes for:
a. Heavy travelers
b. Children
c. Genealogists
2) To access banked DNA for:
a. Requesting genetic testing
b. Access to medical records hosted online
c. Recruitment into clinical trials
The GeneCard, and its peripheral connections, will have a huge impact on the
quality of medical care and level of identification in the future. By having
a GeneCard that allows immediate access to medical records securely hosted on
the Internet, linked to banked DNA that can be accessible for genetic
testing, we will be assuring ourselves the ultimate in personal care,
identification and security.

This thread: