1. Introduction, Scope and Acceptance
These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the services, website, and laboratory testing provided by DNA Labs Nigeria (“DNA Labs Nigeria”, “we”, “us”, “our”). By accessing our website, purchasing a test, submitting a sample, or receiving a report, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree, you must not use our services.
DNA Labs Nigeria
18 Commercial Ave, Sabo Yaba, Lagos 100001, Nigeria
Phone: +234 811 056 7037
Email: info@dnalabsnigeria.com
These Terms apply to patients, legal guardians, doctors, hospitals, corporate clients, and any person ordering or using our tests on behalf of another individual. You confirm that you are at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a binding agreement, or that you have lawful authority to consent on behalf of a minor or dependent.
DNA Labs Nigeria may update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in law, technology, or our services. The version published on our website at the time you place an order or submit a sample will normally apply to that order. Material changes may be highlighted on our website or via email or SMS where appropriate.
Nothing in these Terms constitutes medical, legal, or financial advice. All medical decisions must be taken in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional familiar with your clinical history.
2. Services, Test Purpose, Limitations and Turnaround
2.1 Scope of Services
DNA Labs Nigeria offers a range of genetic, DNA, and related clinical tests, including but not limited to:
DNA relationship tests (paternity, maternity, siblingship, grandparent, avuncular, Y‑STR lineage), including legal and immigration‑compliant testing.
Prenatal and reproductive tests such as NIPT and certain prenatal paternity options (where legally permitted).
Clinical genetic tests including single‑gene tests, gene panels, whole exome and clinical exome sequencing, and tests for inherited cancers, cardiovascular, metabolic, immune, endocrine, neurological and other conditions.
Wellness, pharmacogenetic, ancestry, and other informational DNA tests.
The intended purpose of each test (diagnostic, predictive, carrier screening, or informational) will be described in our brochures, website, or test information sheet, and may differ from one product to another. Some tests are designed to support diagnosis in combination with clinical evaluation; others are screening or informational only and cannot confirm or exclude every condition.
2.2 No Guaranteed Diagnosis or Treatment
Unless expressly stated, DNA Labs Nigeria does not itself provide medical diagnosis, prescribe treatment, or replace your relationship with a doctor. Our role is to analyse samples and issue laboratory reports for use by you and/or your healthcare provider. Your doctor or qualified health professional remains responsible for interpreting results in context and making clinical decisions.
Many genetic tests have known limitations, including incomplete coverage of all genes or regions, variable sensitivity and specificity, and the possibility of false positive or false negative results. Some rare variants, structural changes, mosaicism, or low‑level mutations may not be detected by a given test. Where available, performance characteristics (such as analytical sensitivity or detection rates) will be provided in the relevant test information but are not a guarantee of outcome in any individual case.
2.3 Turnaround Times and Inconclusive Results
Estimated turnaround times provided on our website, leaflets, or order forms are indicative only and may vary due to sample quality, test complexity, equipment availability, referral to partner labs, public holidays, or unexpected technical issues. Time estimates are not contractual guarantees.
Results may be delivered through one or more of the following channels:
secure online portal or encrypted link,
email (where you and/or your doctor agree to receive results electronically),
printed reports sent to your clinician or designated address,
in‑person collection or counseling sessions where applicable.
If a result is technically “inconclusive”, “failed”, or “unclear” due to factors such as low DNA quantity, contamination, or assay limitations, DNA Labs Nigeria may:
repeat the test on the existing sample where possible;
request a new sample (which may be free or discounted if the issue is attributable to laboratory factors);
advise that no definitive result can be issued for that particular test.
Policies regarding free or charged repeat testing may vary by product type (for example, paternity vs exome vs NIPT) and will be communicated in the relevant product information or at the time of order.
2.4 Sample Validity and Expiry
If you receive a home or clinic collection kit, it must be used and returned within the timeframe indicated on the packaging or your order confirmation (typically within several months of purchase). After the expiry date, the stability and quality of the specimen may not be assured. DNA Labs Nigeria may, at its discretion:
decline to process an expired sample and request a new kit; or
process the sample with a warning that reliability may be reduced, with no guarantee of success or refund.
3. Ordering, Payment, Refunds, Cancellations and Sample Handling
3.1 Ordering and Payment
Orders may be placed directly with DNA Labs Nigeria or through approved partner clinics or hospitals. Some tests may require a doctor’s request or prescription.
Payment terms (including price, taxes, and any extra charges for express shipping or expedited processing) will be communicated at the time of order. We may accept cash, bank transfer, card payment, or other methods indicated on our website or invoices. In limited cases, instalment or payment plans may be available for high‑value tests; such arrangements will be subject to separate written agreement.
Testing will normally begin only after full or agreed payment and receipt of a valid sample and completed consent/identification documents.
3.2 Refund and Cancellation Policy
Before sample collection or dispatch: If you cancel before we dispatch a kit or collect your sample, you may be entitled to a refund, less any reasonable administrative costs.
After kit dispatch but before testing: If a kit has been dispatched but no sample has been processed, a partial refund may be offered, net of shipping, packaging, and a possible restocking or administrative fee. Unused kits may need to be returned in good condition where logistically feasible.
After sample receipt / once testing has started: Once your sample has been logged into the lab and testing has commenced, fees are generally non‑refundable because laboratory work, reagents, and staff time have already been committed, even if you later change your mind or your clinical circumstances change.
Insufficient or unprocessable samples: If DNA Labs Nigeria is unable to process a sample due to clear laboratory error, we may offer a free repeat test or appropriate credit. If insufficiency or damage is due to collection errors, shipping conditions, or factors beyond our reasonable control, we may charge a reduced fee for repeat kits or re‑collection.
Defective kits: If you receive a visibly damaged or incomplete kit, you must notify us as soon as reasonably possible so that a replacement can be arranged. Failure to report kit issues within a reasonable timeframe may affect your entitlement to free replacement.
Specific refund percentages, deadlines (for example, number of days from payment), and fees may be set out in your invoice or individual service contract and will prevail over this general description if different.
3.3 Sample Handling, Retention and Access
DNA Labs Nigeria uses established collection methods such as swabs, saliva, or blood, as appropriate for each test. Instructions are provided with kits or by clinic staff. You are responsible for following instructions carefully and providing accurate identity information and consent.
Within the lab, samples are labelled with unique codes and handled under strict quality‑control procedures. Access to samples is restricted to authorised laboratory personnel and, where required, partner laboratories operating under confidentiality and data‑processing agreements.
After testing, samples may be stored for a defined retention period for quality assurance, regulatory compliance, or potential repeat analysis. Beyond required or consented retention, samples will be securely destroyed. You may request earlier destruction of stored samples where legally and operationally possible; certain minimum retention may still be required to comply with law, accreditation, or audit obligations.
4. User Responsibilities, Consent, Accounts and Medical Disclaimer
4.1 Accurate Information and Lawful Use
You agree to provide accurate, complete, and current information when placing orders, creating accounts, or submitting samples. You confirm that:
you have lawful authority to provide the sample and order testing;
you will not use our services for any unlawful, fraudulent, or malicious purpose;
you will not misrepresent the identity or relationship of individuals being tested.
For relationship and legal tests, you may be required to present valid ID and, where applicable, court or embassy documentation. Submitting samples without the knowledge or authorised consent of the person being tested may be unlawful and is strictly prohibited.
4.2 Informed Consent
Before testing, you (or your authorised representative) will be asked to sign an informed consent form or complete an electronic equivalent. This consent will typically explain:
the nature and purpose of the test;
potential risks, benefits, and limitations;
possible implications for you and your family;
options for data and sample storage, research uses (if any), and communication of results.
By signing, you acknowledge that you have had an opportunity to ask questions and that you understand the information provided. For some tests, we may strongly recommend that you discuss testing with a doctor or genetic counselor before proceeding.
4.3 No Substitute for Medical Advice
All test results, reports, and interpretations provided by DNA Labs Nigeria are intended to support—not replace—the clinical judgment of qualified healthcare professionals. Results should not be used as the sole basis for decisions about diagnosis, treatment, medication, surgery, pregnancy management, or lifestyle changes.
You remain responsible for promptly consulting your doctor or other qualified provider to discuss your results and appropriate next steps. Where available, DNA Labs Nigeria may offer optional genetic counseling or explanation of results, which may be included or billed separately depending on the service.
4.4 Accounts, Security and Deactivation
If you create an online account or receive login credentials, you are responsible for keeping them confidential and restricting access to your devices. You agree to notify DNA Labs Nigeria promptly of any suspected unauthorised access or security breach.
DNA Labs Nigeria is not liable for loss or damage arising from your failure to protect your credentials, unless such loss results primarily from our own negligence or security failure.
You may request closure of your account, subject to retention of certain data and records as required by law or for legitimate interests such as billing, audit, and dispute resolution. If a patient passes away, requests for access to records or account information by relatives or legal representatives will be handled sensitively and in accordance with applicable law, documentation, and privacy obligations.
5. Warranties, Disclaimers, Liability and Disputes
5.1 Accuracy and Warranty Disclaimer
DNA Labs Nigeria uses validated methods, quality‑control procedures, and trained personnel to deliver accurate and reliable laboratory results. However, due to the nature of biological testing and current science, no test is 100% error‑free, and no lab can guarantee detection of all possible genetic changes or provide certainty about future health outcomes.
To the maximum extent permitted by law:
services are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis;
DNA Labs Nigeria disclaims all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non‑infringement;
no oral or written information or advice given by our staff creates any warranty not expressly stated in these Terms.
5.2 Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted under Nigerian law, DNA Labs Nigeria, its directors, employees, contractors, and affiliates shall not be liable for:
indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages;
loss of profits, revenue, business opportunity, or data;
decisions you or your healthcare providers make based solely or primarily on test results without appropriate clinical context.
Our aggregate liability for direct damages arising out of or relating to any test or service will not exceed the amount you paid for that specific test, except where a higher limit is mandated by law and cannot be excluded. Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.
5.3 Complaints, Dispute Resolution and Governing Law
If you have concerns about our services, accuracy, or conduct, you should contact DNA Labs Nigeria promptly using the contact details above, providing your full name, test details, and a clear description of the issue. We will investigate and respond within a reasonable timeframe.
Where a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the parties may explore amicable settlement through negotiation or, if mutually agreed, mediation or arbitration administered by a recognised body in Nigeria. If no alternative dispute resolution mechanism is agreed, disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts of Nigeria.
These Terms and any non‑contractual obligations arising from them are governed by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.