DNA Classifieds.com Launches DNA Wanted, DNA Available Posting

DNA Classifieds announced launch of its new service http://www.dnaclassifieds.com on stage at the Health 2.0 Conference in San Francisco October 7th. The company was one of twelve featured out of a pool of over two hundred. DNA Classifieds via www.dnaclassifieds.com is the first company to offer DNA Wanted, DNA Available and Misc. DNA postings, organized on the basis of organism and genetic marker. The site provides a mechanism for researchers and those who believe a genetic trait runs in their family (or pet) to meet directly via email and negotiate terms for the exchange of DNA samples and information.

In a typical use case scenario researchers would mail a url and password along with a DNA saliva collection kit to participants who in exchange could receive gift cards or a check made out to the credit card company or non-profit of a participant’s choice. The site’s Founder, Alice Rathjen, encourages DNA Available users to not disclose any personally identifying information and screen carefully prior to engaging with anyone requesting DNA samples. “The exchange of genetic information is like any other intimate exchange - potentially capable of producing a life changing event.”

The company raises many interesting questions. For example, if consumers can be paid for providing raw genetic information, then individual genetic data has economic value and should be protected like any other private property, with penalties for its unauthorized use. Secondly, if personal genetic data has economic value then any entity storing personal genetic data could conceivably be subject to audits at some point in the future, to verify they have a right to store a person’s genetic data. On a lighter side, the site may provide a mechanism for those who have no fear of sharing genetic information to earn some extra money during a down economy. Senior citizens with long medical histories (both good and bad) could prove particularly valuable participants for researchers using the site. The posting should be very interesting to watch.

About DNA Classifieds

DNA Classifieds, doing business as DNA Clay, is a private company based in Sebastopol, CA.

For information on DNA Classifieds please check out the site http://www.dnaclassifieds.com or contact Alice Rathjen.