Expiration Date

The expiration date is located on the DNA collection tube and includes the year, month and date the kit will expire.
 

Why Do Helix DNA Kits Expire?

Contained in each DNA Collection Kit is a preserving agent, which plays an important role in the sequencing process. The preserving agent protects your DNA sample while en route to the lab and continues to play an important role during the various stages of sequencing. As time goes by, the performance of this agent degrades. For this reason, the lab cannot successfully process a DNA Collection Kit past the expiration date. 
 

Why Can't I Register My DNA Kit?

If your DNA Collection Kit has expired or will expire before the lab has a chance to process your DNA sample, you will receive an error during registration. Our system recognizes the expiration date of your DNA Collection kit and will prevent the registration of any kit that is not able to be sequenced prior to the expiration kit. Kit's cannot be registered 21 days prior to the expiration date. At this point, the kit is no longer valid and you will need a new DNA Collection Kit.
 

Can I Still Participate?

 Please contact the Helix Customer Support Team for assistance to determine participation status.

I Received My DNA Kit Less Than A Year Ago, How Can It Be Expired?