Can anyone use the DNA for research purposes?
No. The medical researcher who has deposited the DNA is responsible for ensuring the DNA is used strictly according to the guidelines under which it was collected. Donors who have consented to participate in a research study will have either agreed for their DNA to be used solely for a specific study (in which case the DNA cannot be used in other projects) or the donor may have readily agreed for their DNA to be used in multiple research projects without the need to consent every time. In the event the donor has agreed to the latter, the DNA may be shared between collaborating medical researchers but only if both parties have ethics approval to conduct the research.
