Effective Date: January 1, 2026 · Last Updated: January 1, 2026
This policy is maintained by NorthStar Lab Services and describes our privacy practices for the northstarlabservices.com website and all in-person, mobile, and coordinated collection services. We handle all case details, identity documents, and test results confidentially and release them only to authorized parties identified at the time of collection.
1. Information We Collect
We collect only the information needed to schedule, perform, document, and report testing services.
- Contact information: name, phone, email, mailing address.
- Identity verification: government-issued photo ID captured at collection for chain-of-custody purposes.
- Case details: case type, court or agency reference numbers, and attorney contacts.
- Sample and test data: buccal or alternative samples, laboratory results, chain-of-custody records.
- Payment information: processed by our third-party payment processor; we do not store full card numbers.
- Website data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and cookies used strictly for site functionality and aggregated analytics.
2. How We Use Information
- Schedule and perform testing services you request.
- Verify identity and maintain a defensible chain of custody.
- Coordinate with accredited reference laboratories for analysis and reporting.
- Deliver results to legally authorized parties identified at the time of collection.
- Process payment and comply with tax, accounting, and legal obligations.
- Improve website performance and respond to your inquiries.
3. When We Share Information
We do not sell your personal or health information. We share information only in these situations:
- Authorized recipients: parties you identify at collection (attorneys, courts, embassies, USCIS).
- Accredited laboratories: AABB Relationship Testing partners that perform analysis and result verification.
- Service providers: secure hosting, scheduling, and payment processors bound by confidentiality obligations.
- Legal requirements: subpoenas, court orders, or applicable federal and Michigan law.
4. Data Retention
Chain-of-custody documentation and test reports are retained in accordance with our partner laboratory and Michigan record-retention requirements — generally a minimum of two years, and longer where legal or contractual obligations apply. You may request deletion of non-required records by contacting us at Hello@NorthStarLabServices.com.
5. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may request to:
- Access a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
- Correct information that is inaccurate or incomplete.
- Request deletion of information no longer required to be retained.
- Restrict or object to certain uses of your information.
- Receive results in an alternative format or through a confidential channel.
Because DNA testing involves sensitive personal information, we treat all records with heightened care and release them only to the parties you authorize or as required by law.
6. Genetic Information (GINA)
Genetic information generated by our DNA testing services is never sold, shared with insurers except at your direction, and is not used for marketing. We comply with the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.
7. Children
Testing of minors is performed only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian or by court order. We do not knowingly collect information from children through our website.
8. Cookies & Analytics
Our website uses two categories of cookies and similar technologies:
- Strictly necessary: required for the site to function (page navigation, form submission, security). These are always active and cannot be disabled through our banner.
- Analytics (Google Analytics 4): optional. When you consent, Google Analytics sets cookies to help us measure aggregate traffic (pages viewed, general geography, device type) with IP anonymization enabled. We do not use advertising, remarketing, or cross-site tracking cookies, and we do not sell personal information.
Analytics cookies are set to denied by default. We only load Google Analytics tracking after you click Accept all in the cookie banner. You can change your choice at any time by opening Cookie Preferences in the site footer, or by clearing cookies in your browser. You can also install Google's Analytics opt-out browser add-on.
9. Security
We use administrative, physical, and technical safeguards — including encryption in transit, access controls, and secure document delivery — to protect your information. No system is 100% secure; we work continuously to strengthen our safeguards.
10. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
11. Contact Us
NorthStar Lab Services · Saginaw, Michigan
Email: Hello@NorthStarLabServices.com
Phone: (989) 262-0906
This policy is provided for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. NorthStar Lab Services recommends consulting your own attorney before relying on this document to satisfy specific compliance requirements.