Does Alcor collect “DNA samples” from patients?
No. Alcor collects fluid and tissue samples from cryonics patients during cryonics procedures for laboratory analysis, for purposes of quality control, but these are not “DNA samples.” The defining attribute of a DNA sample is intent. Nobody calls blood drawn in a doctor’s office a “DNA sample” because that is not the purpose of the sample. Alcor has in the past collected DNA samples from living members (not patients) who desired and consented that such samples be stored. Such samples can be useful to verify the fate of members involved in disasters or disappearances. There is no reason to collect DNA from members after they are cryopreserved. By failing to distinguish between an Alcor member and an Alcor cryopatient, some people have called Alcor’s statements about “DNA samples” to be “contradictory” when in fact they are not. A more detailed explanation of this issue can be found here.
