CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY

In carrying out its activities, PRO-DNA Diagnostic may be called upon to obtain confidential information concerning individuals and/or organizations. PRO-DNA Diagnostic places great importance on respecting the privacy of the individuals who use its laboratory services. It has therefore introduced a series of rigorous policies and procedures designed to protect user privacy. The information below provides an overview of PRO-DNA Diagnostic's commitment regarding privacy and confidentiality.

1. Data Inputting and Transmission

The information that PRO-DNA Diagnostic receives when an order and/or request for information is placed is treated with the utmost confidentiality. PRO-DNA Diagnostic does not disclose the names of, or information on, individuals and/or organizations that are in contact with it. When data is input during an online purchase over the Internet, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic technology is used to secure the data transmission. Moreover, when payment is made online, the information provided on credit cards is input by Desjardins, the banking institution, and is covered by Desjardins' confidentiality policies. In other words, for online orders placed over the Internet, PRO-DNA Diagnostic has no access to users' banking information.

The results of the tests conducted by PRO-DNA Diagnostic are transmitted by registered mail to the previously authorized persons. The laboratory does not give any results over the telephone, by fax or by e-mail.

Members of medical and/or legal professions may opt to retrieve their results via a special section of the website. Before gaining access to this section, they are obliged to register in the section entitled Become a Member. After verification, PRO-DNA Diagnostic reserves the right to reject any request that it considers inappropriate. Once participants have obtained membership status, they must use a password to access the reserved sections; PRO-DNA Diagnostic staff do not have access to members' passwords. The reserved sections are also secured by Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic technology. The results posted in the reserved sections do not contain participants' names, but only the numbers of confidential files.

Before discussing specific cases over the telephone, PRO-DNA Diagnostic staff ask a number of questions to validate the caller's identity.

2. Registering for the Distribution List

PRO-DNA Diagnostic also offers individuals the opportunity to register for the distribution list in the Distribution List section. By registering your name on this list, you can receive the latest news from the laboratory, as well as job offers, publications and any other information of interest. The information compiled is only provided to individuals whose names appear on the distribution list and is not passed on to third parties. Members may also ask that their names be removed from this list at any time.

3. Use of Cookies

The sole purpose of the cookies used by our server is to simplify the process of surfing our website and to make transactions possible. The cookies do not retrieve any confidential information on visitors to our site.

4. Laboratory Employees

The handling of confidential information within PRO-DNA Diagnostic is strictly limited to those employees who require access in order to carry out their functions. Thus, during the hiring process, the laboratory performs checks on candidates' employment history and background. These checks may include credit checks, criminal record checks, inquiries into their professional training and checks with former employers. Once hired, laboratory employees must sign a confidentiality agreement with PRO-DNA Diagnostic, which agreement includes specific provisions regarding the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of work. During their employment at PRO-DNA Diagnostic, employees are regularly reminded of the importance of respecting the confidentiality of information obtained in the course of their duties.


5. Medical Team

The members of PRO-DNA Diagnostic's medical team are members in good standing of the Ordre des Médecins du Québec, and as such are subject to the code of conduct of that organization with respect to confidential information.

6. Minors (under 18 Years of Age)

PRO-DNA Diagnostic places great importance on the well-being of any minors who participate in its genetic tests. Therefore, no test is performed on minors without the consent of the person having parental authority over the child or who is the child's legal representative. In order to ensure compliance with its policy regarding minors and before proceeding with the tests, PRO-DNA Diagnostic may require confidential information on the child, the person having parental authority or the child's legal representative. The information thus obtained is treated confidentially.

7. Participants in Genetic Tests

PRO-DNA Diagnostic is also concerned with the well-being of the individuals who undergo its genetic tests, and therefore does not perform any test without the knowledge of the parties involved. In order to ensure compliance with its policies regarding participants in genetic tests, PRO-DNA Diagnostic may require confidential information on the participants before proceeding with the tests. The information thus obtained is treated confidentially.