1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern the use of diagnostic, genetic, and DNA testing services, as well as use of the website and online platforms operated by DNA Labs Kenya (“DNA Labs Kenya”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By booking a test, submitting a sample, creating an account, or accessing our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
Office and contact details
DNA Labs Kenya
Complex Office Block, 1st Floor, Nova Likoni Mall
Mombasa, Kenya
Phone: +254 746849631
Email: info@dnalabskenya.com
These Terms are in addition to any test‑specific consent forms, privacy notices, or hospital agreements you may sign. If you do not agree, you must not use our services.
2. Scope of Services and Test Limitations
DNA Labs Kenya provides a range of laboratory services including DNA relationship testing (e.g., paternity, maternity, lineage), non‑invasive prenatal tests, clinical genetic and genomic tests (such as exome‑based and panel tests), infectious disease and other clinical assays, and selected wellness, ancestry, and risk‑assessment tests. The specific purpose of each test (diagnostic, predictive, carrier screening, or informational) is described in its test information and request forms.
Unless expressly stated as a diagnostic test and ordered under a clinician’s care, most genetic tests are intended to inform medical decision‑making, not to replace a full clinical evaluation. Our laboratory issues reports and, where applicable, interpretations; it does not on its own establish a full medical diagnosis or prescribe treatment. All results must be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional who knows your history.
No genetic or DNA test is perfect. Sensitivity, specificity, and the chance of false positives or false negatives depend on the assay, the quality of the sample, and the current state of scientific knowledge. Many tests look only at selected genes, variants, or regions and cannot detect all possible mutations or rare variants. A “normal” or “negative” result does not guarantee absence of disease or risk, and an “inconclusive” result may require further testing, clinical follow‑up, or repeat sampling.
3. Ordering, Kits, Samples and Turnaround Time
Where home or clinic collection kits are used, your order is valid only for the period stated on the kit or in your order confirmation. Unless otherwise specified, kits should be used and samples returned within six (6) months of issue; after that, reagents and paperwork may be considered expired, and you may be required to purchase a replacement kit.
Turnaround time (TAT) for results is calculated from the day a suitable sample is received and accepted by our laboratory or designated partner lab, not from the day of payment, dispatch, or collection. TAT estimates are indicative only and may be affected by sample quality, public holidays, equipment downtime, customs delays, or the need for confirmatory testing.
Results may be delivered to you and/or your healthcare provider by secure online portal, email, physical collection, or other agreed methods, depending on the test type and legal requirements. In some cases, you may request expedited processing for an additional fee; acceptance of rush processing is at our discretion and still subject to technical and medical constraints.
If a sample is contaminated, insufficient, improperly collected, damaged, or outside stability criteria, we may:
Request a new sample free of charge or at a discounted rate; or
Charge a reasonable fee for repeat kits, recollection, or re‑analysis; or
Decline testing and offer a partial refund, depending on fault and test type.
4. Results, Accuracy, Use and Medical Responsibility
Our reports are prepared with care, using validated methods and quality‑control procedures. However, no laboratory can guarantee 100% accuracy in all circumstances. Biological variation, technical limitations, human error, reagent issues, and evolving scientific knowledge may affect results.
Unless explicitly stated as part of the service, DNA Labs Kenya does not assume responsibility for:
Clinical diagnosis, treatment decisions, or medication changes made solely on the basis of our report.
Failure by you or your healthcare provider to interpret or act on the results appropriately or in a timely manner.
You remain responsible for:
Seeking professional medical advice from a qualified doctor, geneticist, or genetic counselor to interpret and act on test results.
Informing your healthcare provider of any concerns or questions about your report.
If a result is reported as “inconclusive”, “unclear”, or “no result”, we may recommend:
A free or discounted repeat using the same or a new sample, where appropriate; or
Additional or alternative tests at extra cost; or
Referral to a specialist for further clinical work‑up.
Where an error is clearly attributable to our laboratory (for example, sample mix‑up or technical failure proven by internal investigation), our obligation will be limited to:
Repeating the test at no additional cost using the original or a new sample; or
Where repeat testing is impossible, issuing a corrected report or a refund limited to the amount paid for that specific test.
5. Fees, Payments, Refunds and Cancellations
Prices for tests and services are usually quoted in Kenyan shillings and may change without prior notice, except for tests already paid or confirmed in writing. Payment is generally required in advance unless you have a written credit arrangement or hospital contract.
Refunds and cancellations:
If you cancel before a kit is dispatched or before sample collection is scheduled, you may receive a refund minus any administrative charges (such as transaction fees).
If you cancel after a kit has been dispatched but before you use or return it, a partial refund may be offered, subject to the kit being returned unused and in good condition, and subject to reasonable restocking or handling fees.
Once your sample has been received and testing has started, refunds are normally not available, as laboratory reagents and capacity will already have been consumed. In exceptional circumstances, a partial refund or credit may be considered at our discretion.
If we are unable to process your sample due to defective kits supplied by us, visible transit damage, or internal laboratory error, we will ordinarily provide a replacement kit or repeat test at no additional charge, provided you notify us within a reasonable time and follow our instructions. If the failure is caused by incorrect collection, mishandling, or non‑compliance with instructions on your side, new kits or tests may be chargeable.
Additional charges may apply for:
Rush or priority processing
Special shipping, remote area collection, or international logistics
Complex sample handling, storage beyond standard periods, or additional confirmatory testing requested by you or your doctor
Details of current payment methods, installment options, and any specific fees are provided at the time of booking or on your invoice.
6. Sample Handling, Storage and Retention
You are responsible for following the collection instructions provided with your kit or by our staff. Failure to follow instructions can lead to sample rejection, delayed results, or additional charges for replacement kits.
After testing is complete, your sample may be:
Retained for a limited time for quality control, verification, or additional testing requested by you or your clinician.
Stored longer‑term if you have consented to future use or re‑analysis.
Destroyed once it is no longer needed for clinical, legal, or quality purposes, in accordance with our laboratory policies and applicable regulations.
Access to your sample within the lab is restricted to authorized personnel involved in processing, quality control, or research activities for which you have given explicit consent. You may request destruction of stored samples where permitted by law and not required for audit, legal, or patient‑safety reasons; in such cases we will record the destruction and inform you as appropriate.
7. Accounts, Access and User Responsibilities
If you create an online account or receive portal access to your results, you agree to:
Keep your login details confidential and secure.
Notify us promptly if you suspect unauthorized access or misuse of your account.
Ensure that information you provide is accurate and kept up to date.
DNA Labs Kenya is not liable for losses arising from unauthorized access where you have failed to protect your credentials or devices, or where you have shared them with others. We may suspend or terminate access if we suspect fraud, misuse, or security risks.
You may request that your online account be closed. We will disable access and, subject to legal retention requirements, will delete or anonymize associated data that is not required for medical, legal, or financial record‑keeping. In the event of a patient’s death, next‑of‑kin or legally authorized representatives may request access or closure, subject to verification and applicable law.
8. Informed Consent, Counseling and Medical Disclaimer
Many tests—especially genetic, prenatal, and relationship tests—require informed consent. Before we proceed, you may be asked to confirm that you:
Understand the purpose, benefits, and limitations of the test.
Understand the potential psychological, family, insurance, or legal implications of the results.
Are providing accurate information and have authority or consent for minors or other persons whose samples are submitted.
For tests with significant medical implications, we strongly recommend discussing the test with your doctor or a genetic counselor before and after testing. DNA Labs Kenya may offer or coordinate genetic counseling or clinical consultations for some tests; these services may be included or chargeable, depending on the package.
Nothing in our reports, website content, or communications is intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions you have regarding a medical condition, your test results, or treatment decisions.
9. Warranties, Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by Kenyan law, our services are provided on the understanding that:
We exercise reasonable care, use validated methods, and follow professional standards, but do not guarantee error‑free or uninterrupted services.
We do not warrant that any result is absolutely definitive for all clinical or legal purposes; interpretation depends on context, and new scientific information may emerge.
You remain responsible for obtaining independent medical, legal, or other professional advice before relying on our reports for critical decisions.
DNA Labs Kenya, its directors, employees, and partners will not be liable for:
Indirect, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use or misuse of our services or results.
Decisions made by healthcare providers, courts, insurers, or third parties based on our reports.
Delays or failure to perform due to events beyond our reasonable control (force majeure), such as power outages, strikes, natural disasters, pandemics, or supply‑chain disruptions.
Where liability cannot be excluded, our total aggregate liability in connection with a specific test or service will be limited to the amount you paid for that test or service, except in cases where Kenyan law requires a higher minimum.
10. Disputes, Complaints and Governing Law
If you have a concern or complaint about our services or your results, you should first contact DNA Labs Kenya using the details provided, giving full details of your case and supporting documents. We will review your concern, may re‑examine the data or request additional information, and will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
These Terms and any dispute arising from them are governed by the laws of the Republic of Kenya. Where informal resolution is not possible, parties may agree to mediation or arbitration. If no agreement is reached, disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of Kenya.
Any claim relating to services must typically be brought within a reasonable time after you became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) of the issue; excessive delay may prejudice investigation and resolution. Specific statutory limitation periods may also apply under Kenyan law.
11. Changes to These Terms and Contact
DNA Labs Kenya may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, technology, or our services. The most recent version will be posted on our website with an updated “last updated” date. Where changes are material, we may provide an additional notice or request renewed acknowledgment for future orders.
For any questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact:
DNA Labs Kenya – Client Support
Complex Office Block, 1st Floor, Nova Likoni Mall
Mombasa, Kenya
Phone: +254 746849631
Email: info@dnalabskenya.com