Scientists now know that the best way to understand, prevent and treat diseases is to design a personalized approach using our unique genetic code. This is called Precision Health. Precision Health is personalized health, and personalized health means better health outcomes for you and your family.
As the #1 health provider in California, we are establishing one of the largest genetic databases in the world. You can now participate in our program, harness the power of DNA, and help researchers uncover important insight that could impact your health.
Watch a short video about the purpose of the Universal Consent for Biological Samples.
Completing the Universal Consent allows you to donate any unused biological samples from lab tests for research. Before you begin, locate your Medical Record Number (MRN) by logging on to the myUCLAhealth portal. To find out how to locate the MRN, click here for step-by-step instructions.
If you don't have a myUCLAhealth account, activate your account and retrieve your MRN.
Choose to receive actionable insights from genetic tests. If our researchers discover something that could impact your health, a genetic counselor will be in touch and help identify a suitable care path.
If you’ve previously completed an initial consent form, you too, are now eligible to opt in to receive genetic test results.
UCLA will remove your name and other information that could identify you before sharing your samples for research. A list of names and matching code numbers will be kept seperate from coded samples and data. Only authorized UCLA staff can access this list. Those working on the research projects will not have access to any information that link your samples to you.
Jane Smith ->becomes -> 1493526807
The samples are kept in locked freezers in locked buildings. All information is kept secure on password protected computers located behind a firewall.
Researchers who study your samples will not know who you are. The UCLA ATLAS Precision Health Biobank will only give them a code number without any identifyinf information. UCLA Health and its UCLA ATLAS Precision Health Biobank must follow state and federal laws and UCLA policies that require protection of your information. The UCLA ATLAS Precision Health Biobank will only give out limited information to other collaborators and none of the information will include identifying information.
The UCLA ATLAS Precision Health Biobank has a Certificate of Confidentiality by the National Institute of Health. This certificate prevents UCLA from sharing any information that could identify you in any civil, criminal, adminstrative, legislative, or other proceeding whether at the federal, state or local level.
Your privacy will always be protected whether you choose to share your leftover sample or donate an additional tube of blood and/or saliva sample for research. If you would like to be contacted for future research, then we may contact you for other research opportunities that may or may not relate to a biological sample you may have given.
Your specimens and information about you are/is protected by a federal Certificate of Confidentiality. This means that we cannot be forced to release your specimens or information about you for any legal proceeding, even if the court asks.
The Certificate allows us to use your specimens and information about you for purposes of this research, or to disclose it for other research when allowed by law. The Certificate requires other researchers to also protect specimens and information we share with them.
There are limits to this protection. The Certificate does not protect your information when:
Your samples may be used for a variety of research purposes (e.g., cancer, heart disease, diabetes) and for product development.
Examples:
At UCLA Health, we’re committed to helping patients make decisions that are right for them; including the decision to participate in our program. You are free to change your mind at any time. Your comfort, privacy, and health will always be our top priority.
The search for new treatments and breakthroughs has never been more urgent. We can’t get there without you – please join us in this partnership.