Ohio coroners would preserve blood samples after certain unexplained deaths

Coroners would collect and securely store a dried blood sample for future genetic testing. This covers autopsies that leave an apparent natural death unexplained, including suspected inherited conditions that need genetic testing to confirm. The sample would stay in the coroner's custody on a card designed to preserve dried blood. A written request from the person designated to control the genetic material would require another ten years of storage, with further extension requests allowed. The 18-year storage period would begin on the collection date.

Coroners would release the preserved card or a suitable sample when a covered relative meets the approval requirements. Listed immediate and extended relatives, including spouses, adopted relatives, and step-relatives, could request samples for medical or family-history testing. The relative would need a written request and signed, notarized approval from the designated executor, the person with exclusive power to approve or deny release. The requester would arrange and pay for processing, shipping, and testing.