ABSTRACT
There was an important expansion of human deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) sampling and data collecting in order to exploit and study the genetic information collected. This chapter discusses the different reasons for genetic data banking, the social perception and the quality management of databanks and examines the legal aspects concerning genetic data banking in Germany. Many DNA banks are concerned with how to obtain valid informed consent, safeguard the privacy of samples and data and avoid potential misunderstandings with depositors. The value of a collection is proportional to the amount and quality of the information attached to it. The survey and the reflections about the social perception and the legal aspects of genetic data banking in the medical sector showed that all the main problems focus on the confidentiality, privacy, discrimination. The collecting, storage and use of genetic information has to be done according to the regulations of the Federal Data Protection Law.
