LIFEBANK: POSITIVE INDENTIFICATION
With more than five billion people in the world, identification
isn't the snap it was when fingerprints could pick you out of a crowd
of several hundred million. Now your DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) can
be represented by a holographic code. Out of everyone ever born, in
the past, present or future, any part of them is recognizable
forever. (It is the same for almost everyone on the planet; no two
people, except identical twins, have exactly the same DNA pattern).
My DNA code was provided by LIFEBANK, the world's first private DNA
identity storage centre.
Since James Watson and Francis Crick first conceived of the DNA
helix as a microscopic spiral staircase in 1953, man has learned more
about our physical structure at the molecular level than in all past
history. Governments in the United States, Japan, Europe and elsewhere are rushing to interpret the human genome, those strands of
life that identify all the genes in the human body. That is a big
project. There are more than 10 trillion cells in the human body.
They all contain DNA, which tells us how we grow, look, and sometimes
die.
The fascinating world now opening up to man's probes is showing
how missing and defective genes create vulnerability to certain
diseases and malfunctions. We can now identify missing genes,
predict disease and better understand the essence of life. Positive
identification is relatively easy through. The smallest sample of
blood, hair, skin or bodily fluid can distinguish us from everyone
else on earth.
For example, there need be no future "unknown soldiers". Anyone
can be identified, even with only the smallest shred of bodily tissue
available for forensic scientists. Disaster victims can be identified
if any body part has been located. Parents will always be able to
identify their children -- at any age. Original samples remain the
property of the people they were drawn from (or their parents).
The process is simple. Working with physicians and hospitals,
LIFEBANK arranges for a collection of a DNA sample from your baby at
the moment of birth. Blood samples can be taken from older children
and adults at a doctor's office. Such was the procedure in my case.
Using state-of-the-art techniques, the sample processed through "DNA
profiling" is identified as you and stored at LIFEBANK. The owner of
the DNA report receives a "passport" with the registered DNA identification number, identical to my document shown here.
Acting solely as a repository of such DNA codes, LIFEBANK conducts
no tests, nor do they maintain extensive data files. LIFEBANK
provides parents with the secure knowledge that, at any time in the
future, they can identify their child -- no matter under what circumstances. Samples are coded to guarantee confidentiality and are then
deposited, under tight security, to protect against extended power
interruptions or natural disaster conditions in the LIFEFILE DNA
storage facility.
Unlike more traditional identification methods, DNA profiling is
virtually 100 percent accurate. Although there is controversy, as
with any new discovery, over the procedure in some quarters, it has
already been accepted in more than 100 trials across America. A
report from a congressional study released in August 1990 and
reported by Carol Ezzell of BioWorld Today said that DNA fingerprinting is sufficiently "reliable and valid" enough to be accepted
as evidence for criminal trials. The writers of the report from the
Office of Technology Assessment also called for technical standards
to insure that all laboratories can produce the same results.
It certainly beats the heel printing practice at maternity hospitals.
Poor prints, identity bracelets and fingerprints have all demonstrated shortcomings. "Fingerprints can be changed, for instance",
says LIFEBANK research scientist Dr. Christine Dietzel. "They can be
changed with plastic surgery. Heelprints can be smudged. Bracelets
can be lost or switched. DNA can never be altered. It's inherent to
the individual."
In future comparison of the DNA profile with any new sample taken
from blood, bone marrow, hair, urine, saliva or solid tissue will
remove any doubts as to the identity of the new sample matching that
on file. This goes beyond dental records, fingerprints or other
forensic identification tools.
LIFEBANK says cystic fibrosis, sickle-cell anemia and even cancer
have proven genetic links. According to LIFEBANK President Walter
Fredericks, the LIFEBANK process is insurance. "It puts individuals
in a position to take advantage of potential medical treatments which
will be contingent on prior storage of DNA samples," he explained.
The collection process, a numbered certificate and storage for 18
years costs about US$200. The holographic card print is $150 extra.
More information:
Walter Fredericks, President, LIFEBANK INC.,
721 Routes 202 & 206, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.
Phone: 201/722-2525.
Or via Camnet 1-800/448-6144.
* * *
<
previous |
chapter index |
next >
back to Main Chapter Listing
back to Home Page
