You can decide whether 23andMe keeps your physical DNA sample after testing or destroys it — but once you choose destruction, that decision is permanent and cannot be undone.
If you allow 23andMe to store your physical DNA sample, it can be used for future re-genotyping, additional research, and potentially disclosed to third parties or law enforcement; requesting destruction eliminates this future exposure but is irreversible. This choice should be made deliberately, as sample retention creates an open-ended biological data asset.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle DNA Sample Storage Choice and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →Stored DNA samples could potentially be re-analyzed in the future as testing technology advances, used for new research purposes, or disclosed in response to legal demands — making the storage choice a long-term privacy decision.
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: Physical DNA sample storage implicates GDPR Art. 9 (genetic data as special category), CCPA/CPRA sensitive personal information provisions, and potentially state biometric privacy laws including Illinois BIPA (740 ILCS 14/1 et seq.) depending on whether DNA samples qualify as biometric identifiers. The FDA may have jurisdiction over laboratory practices. CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, 42 U.S.C. §263a) governs laboratory sample handling.
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