The MyHeritage DNA BioBank was a one-time service that stored the backup vial of a MyHeritage DNA kit at the lab for 10 years. It was offered for a limited time, and you can't buy it anymore.
If you sent two vials to the lab, one vial was used for your DNA analysis and the second vial was kept as a backup. This article explains who has a stored sample, what the MyHeritage DNA BioBank included, how a stored sample can be used, what happens after the 10-year storage period, and how to have a stored sample destroyed.
Who has a stored sample
Only customers who sent two vials to the lab and paid for the MyHeritage DNA BioBank have a stored sample. If you sent two vials and didn't enroll in the MyHeritage DNA BioBank when it was offered, your backup sample was destroyed. Destroying a backup sample doesn't affect your MyHeritage DNA results, which stay available on MyHeritage.
MyHeritage doesn't have a physical sample for DNA files uploaded from another company, or for a MyHeritage DNA kit where you sent only one vial.
What the MyHeritage DNA BioBank included
The MyHeritage DNA BioBank included the following for customers who enrolled:
Secure storage: Your backup sample is stored for 10 years in the same laboratory in Texas, United States, that processes MyHeritage DNA kits. MyHeritage doesn't use stored samples for research and doesn't share them with third parties. You own your DNA sample, and MyHeritage only processes it at your explicit request. See: Privacy Policy
Next-of-kin: You can designate a next-of-kin who can manage your stored sample after your death. This matters if the person who took the test is no longer alive and can't be tested again. To set this up, contact MyHeritage support and ask to designate a next-of-kin for your MyHeritage DNA BioBank sample.
Sample return: You can ask for your original sample to be mailed to you by courier. An additional shipping and processing fee applies.
Using a stored sample for future DNA products
A stored MyHeritage DNA BioBank sample can be used for a future MyHeritage DNA product or service, such as Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), without taking a new test. This is subject to your consent and to the product or service being available in your country.
The actual sample is needed because DNA products of this kind require a biological sample and can't rely on digital data from an older technology.
After the 10-year storage period
The payment for the MyHeritage DNA BioBank was one-time and doesn't renew. As the 10-year mark gets closer, MyHeritage sends you a notice asking whether you want to extend the storage, have the sample returned to you, or have it destroyed. Additional fees for extended storage may apply.
Having a stored sample destroyed
If you paid for the MyHeritage DNA BioBank and want your stored backup sample destroyed, there's no self-service option. For the steps, see: How can I delete my DNA file?