Guthrie Test/Heel Prick tests and record storage??

[missie_mack]

Wondering if anyone knows if you can have the guthrie test done but not have your records stored for an excessive period of time... like are you able to get the test done (in the right time frame) but by your GP or somewhere else, so the records aren't kept for such an excessive period of time

Just to clarify I am happy for the testing to occur but not happy with the storage of the blood or results for periods which in some states is 20+ years

[AM]

I've looked into this, and it seems that every state is quite different about this. You would need to make a request in writing to the relevant storage/handling facility, and see what kind of response you got.

Some states seem to be quite liberal about it, and will either promise to destroy them after perhaps a year or 2 (Yeah, yeah, really?) or some may agree to send them back to you, but will often request you keep them in a safe place rather than destroy them (you can do as you wish with them obviously )

Other states seemed very reluctant to destroy them before the specified time frame, so I really think you would probably have to talk to the relevent people beforehand to see what the go is in your state before you hand the dna over, as you may never get it back or get it destroyed in a time frame you are happy about.

I'd be really interested to hear what you find out

I do recall someone I know asking for it to be sent back to her after testing, and she was told no, they would only agree to destroy it after 2 years...that was qld, but it sounds a bit like it depends on who you ask on the day, they seem to make it up as they go along a bit...

[missie_mack]

Thanks AM Really really quite helpful!! I've just finished reading the NSW health policy about it... I am actually thinking of writing to them and asking of whether mine is still sitting there and making a formal request to have it handed over (or destroyed but won't offer that first ) I was in its very early years and cannot imagine the guidelines were inplace when they took mine and shudder to think they are sitting there is some storage system hoping to be forgotten....