Effective Date: January 07, 2025
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Terogene Services (“Terogene,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of our DNA testing services, website, and related offerings (collectively, the “Services”). By using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms, as well as our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect and use your personal information.
If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our Services.
2. SERVICES PROVIDED
Terogene provides DNA testing services for various purposes, including but not limited to:
Personal and informational DNA testing
Legal and court-admissible DNA testing
Immigration DNA testing
Ancestry and relationship DNA testing
We collaborate with an ISO-17025 accredited partner laboratory in Germany to process DNA samples and generate test results.
3. ELIGIBILITY TO USE OUR SERVICES
By using our Services, you confirm that you:
Are at least 18 years old (or have obtained parental or legal guardian consent if under 18).
Have the legal authority to provide a DNA sample or obtain consent from the person providing the sample.
Will provide accurate and truthful information throughout the testing process.
4. TESTING CENTRES & THEIR ROLE
To make our DNA testing services more accessible, Terogene partners with independent medical operations, such as pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, which serve as Testing Centres. These partners play a limited role in the Terogene value chain and are responsible solely for the collection of DNA test samples from Terogene customers.
Testing Centres operate as independent entities and are not agents, employees, or franchisees of Terogene.
Their responsibilities are limited to sample collection in accordance with Terogene’s procedures.
Terogene does not bear liability for any warranties, guarantees, or representations made by Testing Centres outside of our Terms of Service.
Any additional services, recommendations, or advice provided by Testing Centres are not endorsed or authorized by Terogene.
Customers acknowledge that Terogene is not responsible for errors, misconduct, negligence, or liabilities arising from Testing Centres’ independent actions.
By using a Testing Centre, customers agree to indemnify Terogene against any claims, disputes, or damages related to interactions with Testing Centres beyond sample collection.
5. WITNESSED SAMPLE COLLECTION FOR CHAIN OF CUSTODY
For legal and immigration DNA testing, Terogene requires all sample collections to be witnessed by an authorized professional at an approved sample collection centre. This is necessary to maintain the chain of custody, ensuring that:
The identity of the sample donor is verified.
The sample is collected, sealed, and documented correctly to prevent tampering or contamination.
The results are admissible for legal and official purposes.
Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the non-acceptance of your results by legal or immigration authorities.
6. SAMPLE COLLECTION & SUBMISSION
You may provide a DNA sample at one of our authorized collection centers or opt for a home testing kit (only available for non-legal tests).
If using a home test, you must carefully follow all collection instructions to avoid errors or contamination.
All samples submitted become the property of Terogene for testing purposes only. They are processed, stored, or disposed of according to applicable laws and ethical standards.
7. TESTING PROCESS & TURNAROUND TIME
Once your sample is received, it is analyzed at our accredited partner lab in Germany.
Estimated turnaround time varies by test type but is generally 5-10 business days from the date the lab receives your sample.
While we strive to meet estimated delivery times, delays may occur due to unforeseen circumstances. Terogene is not responsible for delays caused by customs, courier issues, or force majeure events.
8. ACCURACY OF RESULTS & LIMITATIONS
Terogene provides highly accurate DNA test results; however, no test is 100% infallible.
The results reflect the DNA samples provided, and we are not responsible for errors due to sample contamination, mislabeling, or fraud.
DNA test results should be interpreted with care and, where necessary, reviewed with a qualified professional.
8. DATA PROTECTION & PRIVACY
By using our Services, you consent to the collection, processing, and storage of your personal and genetic information as outlined in our Privacy Policy.
- Your personal and genetic data is handled with strict confidentiality.
- Data may be shared only with authorized personnel and our partner lab in Germany for the purpose of completing the test.
- We do not sell or share your DNA data with third parties for marketing or non-testing-related purposes.
9. PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY
- Full payment is required before sample processing begins.
- Fees paid for DNA testing are non-refundable once the test has started.
- Refunds may be granted only in cases where testing has not commenced or in the event of service failure due to reasons attributable to Terogene.
10. LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
- Terogene shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the use of our Services.
- We do not guarantee acceptance of DNA test results by any specific institution, court, or government agency.
- Customers assume full responsibility for the use and interpretation of their results.
11. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS
- All website content, branding, and materials related to our Services remain the intellectual property of Terogene.
- Users may not reproduce, modify, distribute, or commercially exploit our content without explicit permission.
12. TERMINATION OF SERVICES
Terogene reserves the right to:
- Refuse or cancel services if false information is provided.
- Suspend or terminate access to our Services in cases of suspected fraud or abuse.
- Modify or discontinue our Services without prior notice.
13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION & GOVERNING LAW
- Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved through negotiation and mediation before legal action is taken.
- If mediation fails, disputes shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Lagos, Nigeria.
14. CHANGES TO TERMS OF SERVICE
Terogene may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of our Services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
15. CONTACT US
If you have any questions regarding these Terms, please contact:
Terogene Services
Email: [email protected]
By proceeding with our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service, our Privacy Policy, and any other related policies.