To help families and employers prepare to deal with the very worst, Orchid Biosciences, a leading provider of identity genetics services in Plainsboro, has developed a new service called IDSecure.
By: Gwen McNamara
In today’s global economy, many people are working in potentially
dangerous locations.
IDSecure is designed to ensure that workers on high-risk assignments
can be accurately identified in the event of an emergency or accident.
"In today’s environment of world politics, some Americans are
asked to work in some pretty risky places," said Chris Smith, executive director
of the familial relations business unit at Orchid. "Their families and the employees
themselves asked us to provide a service to help should the worst happen."
The new program seemed like the next logical step for the company,
given Orchid’s long history of leadership in DNA and identity testing, he added.
Since 1987, Orchid has developed innovative testing solutions
for the fields of forensics, parental determination, immigration and adoption
verification, in addition to helping identify victims of the World Trade Center
attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
"As a pioneer for almost two decades in expanding the availability
of highly accurate and confidential DNA testing services, it’s fitting that Orchid
take the lead in offering the security of DNA testing to men and women volunteering
for work assignments in high-risk areas or occupations," said Paul J. Kelly, Orchid
CEO.
"IDSecure is providing comfort to the family member or employer
if the worst happens," Mr. Smith said. "It’s one way we’re able to provide closure."
The genetic material for IDSecure is collected by the employees
themselves.
"We send them a testing kit and they take a sample with a mouth
swab," Mr. Smith said. "The system is designed to ensure confidentiality and integrity
of the specimen.
"When it arrives at our office, we produce a DNA profile that
only has value for human identity meaning it has no probative value or
health information. The profile is returned to the individual or employer," he
continued. "The employer or individual is responsible for maintaining the records."
Later, after an accident or event, Orchid can assist the employer
or rescue personnel in identification if need be.
"We have a DNA-typing database ready to examine specimens provided
to us for identification," Mr. Smith said.
The company officially launched the new service in September,
and already has several customers.
"We have a significant number of people interested worldwide,"
he said. "I’ve handled inquiries from as far away as India to right here locally."
He declined to elaborate on the exact number of clients or how
much IDSecure costs.
"We want employees and employers to be prepared and have a comfort
level," Mr. Smith said. "After 9/11, families were struggling for closure. Orchid
can play a key role in helping them do that."
For more information about IDSecure contact Dale Rutty at
[email protected] or
by calling (800) DNA-TEST.
‘We want employees and employers to be prepared and have a comfort level. After 9/11, families were struggling for closure. Orchid can play a key role in helping them do that.’
Chris Smith
Orchid Biosciences