Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions
What is DNASolves®?

DNASolves® is a family of offerings with one purpose in mind: to aid human identification investigations.

We accomplish this by working directly with law enforcement agencies and others acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, law enforcement agencies.

How does DNASolves® aid human investigations?

DNASolves® combines crowdfunding, volunteered data, and cutting-edge genomics to solve 'unsolvable' cases.

How is DNASolves® different?

DNASolves® is solely focused on enabling human identification for law enforcement investigations. The limited scope of use (we do not offer genealogy or health tools), combined with limited access (law enforcement only), allows us to achieve this mission while maximizing privacy and security.

What types of crimes are involved with DNASolves®’ human identification investigations?

Generally, we are contracted to help with unsolved violent crimes, such as homicides and sexual assaults.

Can DNASolves® help solve my case?

We want to solve as many cases as possible. If you are aware of a case that needs attention, please have the case investigators contact us at support@dnasolves.com.

How can I help fund a DNASolves® case?

If a particular case interests you, you can make a one-time funding contribution for that particular case. To see a list of our current cases that remain unfunded, please visit the unfunded cases page.

If you would prefer to make a general donation, you can become a subscriber and make a monthly contribution (which is cancelable at any time). To become a subscriber, please visit the subscription page.

How do I cancel a monthly contribution?

You can cancel your monthly contribution at any time.

To cancel, please enter your email address on the contribution cancellation page. You will receive an email with further instructions about how to cancel your subscription.

Can I learn about my health or find relatives?

We are not a genealogical database that enables self-discovery of your ancestry, and we do not provide health or trait information.

How do I get in touch with the DNASolves® team?
If you have questions about funding a case, subscribing, uploading your DNA data, or if you have general comments or feedback, you can reach out by email support@dnasolves.com or by phone 832-906-4247.
General DNA Questions
What is Othram Swab Kit?

Othram Swab Kit allows people who are not in possession of their DNA profile to order a DNA swab kit from Othram, complete the kit at home, and then return the completed kit to Othram. We then obtain your DNA profile from the DNA contained in your kit. You can order a DNA swab kit from the Othram store.

How does Othram Swab Kit collect my DNA?

Othram Swab Kit collects DNA using a cheek swab.

Does DNASolves® prefer to receive my DNA or my DNA profile?

If you are in possession of your DNA profile, then we recommend that you submit your DNA profile. It is free and takes fewer steps.

If you are not in possession of your DNA profile, then you may submit your actual DNA through Othram Swab Kit. There is a fee for this service.

You can add yourself to the DNASolves® registry by uploading your DNA profile or by sending your DNA to Othram Swab Kit. There is no reason to do both.

What if my DNA has already been tested?

If you have already taken a consumer DNA test from an ancestry reporting company, then you can download your DNA profile (or raw data) from that service and upload it to DNASolves® at no charge. There is no need to use Othram Swab Kit if you have already tested elsewhere.

If I submit my DNA through Othram Swab Kit, how long will it take for the swab kit to reach me?

You should receive your swab kit about 10 calendar days after you place your order.

What does DNASolves® do once it receives my DNA or my DNA profile?

If we receive your actual DNA (such as your cheek swab), we will attempt to create your DNA profile. Whether or not we successfully create your DNA profile, we will destroy any actual DNA that you have provided. We do not retain your DNA, and your DNA will not be returned to you.

If we receive your DNA profile or if we obtain your DNA profile from DNA you have submitted to us, we will add your DNA profile to our DNA registry. Your DNA profile will not be returned to you (if you upload it to us) or provided to you (if we create it from your DNA sample).

How is my DNA profile used?

Your DNA profile is loaded in the DNASolves® registry and is used exclusively to aid human identification investigations to help solve cases that otherwise could not be solved. We do not allow public search or matching against your DNA profile.

What is the DNASolves® registry?

The DNASolves® registry is the repository of all qualifying DNA profiles received from all contributors, like yourself, if you choose to contribute; essentially, the repository is a place where DNA profiles are stored. We use the registry to aid the human investigation process.

Are there any health reasons or medical conditions why DNASolves® cannot accept my DNA or my DNA?

No.

If I submit my DNA (such as a cheek swab) to DNASolves®, does DNASolves® use a third-party lab to obtain my DNA profile?

No, we do not use third-party labs. All lab services are provided in-house.

If I submit my DNA (such as a cheek swab) to DNASolves®, will I be notified that my DNA profile has been successfully obtained?

No.

Will I be notified that my DNA profile has been loaded into the DNASolves® registry?

No.

How does DNASolves® use or disclose my DNA and other personal information?
Our Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and disclose information about users of our offerings. We recommend that you take some time to review our Privacy Policy to understand how we use and disclose your DNA and other personal information.
DNA Contribution Questions
How do I get started?
  1. Please visit the registration page.
  2. Then, read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
  3. Next, check the box “I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy”
  4. Three boxes will then appear. Click on the box applicable to your situation and follow the instructions.
Is account registration required?

Yes, to contribute your DNA or your DNA profile, you must register an account. Visit the registration page to start your contribution process and follow the account registration instructions included as part of the contribution process.

Does DNASolves® accept DNA or DNA profiles of persons under 18 years of age?

No, we only accept DNA or DNA profiles of persons who are at least 18 years of age.

Can I upload a DNA profile that is not mine?

You may only upload a DNA profile from another person if the upload complies with the Terms of Use. Please read the Terms of Use carefully.

In the Terms of Use, you agree to, among other things, comply with all applicable laws and regulations and not to contribute a DNA profile of another unless you have legal authorization to do so. You are responsible for having the necessary and appropriate legal authorization to upload a DNA profile on behalf of another person.

What types of data can I upload?
Can I compress my data to upload faster?

Yes, you can upload your data in a .ZIP or .GZ compressed file, and our analysis tools will automatically detect and decompress the files.

Some advanced data formats like paired-end FASTQ use multiple files. You can compress those files into a single .ZIP or .TAR.GZ file to upload them as a single sample.

Is my DNA profile secure?

We use advanced security and encryption safeguards to protect your DNA profile.

Can I remove my DNA profile from DNASolves®?

You can request removal of your data from DNASolves® at any time.

  • Visit your user dashboard page here. (You may need to log in first.)
  • Click on the name of the person whose data you want to delete.
  • Click the “Remove Data from DNASolves®” button.

If you want to completely remove your account from DNASolves®, click your account name on the menu header and then click the "Update Account" link. From the Update Account page you can click the red "Remove My DNASolves® Account" button.
This will remove all data associated with your account. You will no longer be able to log in to your account, and no new accounts may be created using the same username or email address.

Can I remove my account from DNASolves®?

If you want to completely remove your account from DNASolves®, click your account name on the menu header and then click the "Update Account" link. From the Update Account page, you can click the red "Remove My DNASolves® Account" button. This will remove all data associated with your account. You will no longer be able to log in to your account, and no new accounts may be created using the same username or email address.

Contact Us