Our principles
Seven principles that every volunteer has agreed to. We review them once a year. If you think we're falling short, please tell us.
1. Free for everyone
Anyone who needs a test can get one, whether or not they can pay. Covering the $60 cost of each test is our job, not yours.
2. Run by the community we serve
Our volunteers are trans people and close allies. We built this lab for our own community.
3. Testing, not medical advice
We measure what's in a sample. We don't prescribe, diagnose, or make recommendations. We're scientists, not clinicians.
4. Transparent about money
We publish a budget every quarter. Volunteers who contribute regularly receive a modest stipend.
5. Privacy by design
Data we never collect can't be leaked, so our systems collect as little as possible.
6. Producers are welcome
DIY producers do important work for the community, and testing their batches benefits everyone who relies on them.
7. We can say no
We turn down requests that compromise safety, samples outside our scope, partnerships with commercial labs, and offers to turn the lab into a commercial product.