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A DNA database or DNA databank is a database of DNA data. A DNA database can be used in the analysis of genetic diseases, genetic fingerprinting for criminology, or genetic genealogy. DNA databases may be public or private.

The largest DNA database in the world is CODIS,^[1] followed by the United Kingdom National DNA Database,^[2] and thirdly a Californian DNA database (it's records are included in CODIS).

The Australian criminal DNA database is called National Criminal Investigation DNA Database (NCIDD).^[3]

Types

A national DNA database is a government database of DNA samples against which law enforcement agencies can match suspect DNA.

A genetic genealogy database is a DNA database of genealogical DNA test results.

Privacy Issues

Critics of DNA databases warn that the various uses of the technology can pose a threat to an individual's civil liberties. The personal information included in the genetic material regards to all of the person's health-related data, including markers that identify various genetic diseases and behavioral traits such as aggression. Some citizens worry that there will be a repeat of the Social Security program expansion of becoming a national identifer. The government would have very personal bodily information at their disposal, and some fear it would misuse the data.

References