FAQs
We care about your health and want to make sure you are as informed as possible before making the decision to take a genetics test. Below are answers to some questions you may have.
General
Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes or proteins.
The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder. This means if you have a family history of certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure it would be worth taking a genetic test.
In addition, anyone who is interested in optimising their health and wellbeing, through improvements in diet and exercise that would work for their body and their individual genes, could benefit from genetic testing.
Genetic testing provides information that can help determine whether medications you are currently taking are the most appropriate. It can also identify whether you have a tendency towards certain health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes type 2.
There are no physical risks but you may receive information that impacts your life significantly. For example, if you find out that you have a genetic disposition towards heart disease. That is why we always make sure that you are taken through your results by one of our fully trained team members who are selected for you based on your personal results.
There are a number of US governmental bodies that regulate the laboratories that do the testing in the US, these are CLIA , CAP, HIPPA . CODE You will be regulated by the CQC (if appropriate).
No. The results are for your own personal use but you may want to share them with your doctor to assist in your treatment or with members of your family.
Depending on which test you take and the subsequent findings of the test, your doctor will be able to prescribe more suitable medications along with the correct dosage based on your genetic make-up. They can also help with lifestyle and diet choices that help you control and even prevent certain health conditions. Once shared with your doctor, your genetic tests will become part of your medical records.
Yes, the tests use cells from your cheek or through a saliva test, which aren’t affected by illness or pregnancy so the results will be accurate.
The results generally come back to us 4-6 weeks after the samples have been received. We can then arrange when, where and how you would like to discuss the results.
Once our specialist team has taken you through the interpretations and implications of the findings, your results will be sent to you via email or some other method that you request. They are an extensive written report of the results from your test.
Cardiology
This test is for people who want to learn more about their genetics in order to manage and optimise their heart health.
The test looks for specific varieties of genetics associated with increased risk of developing certain heart-related conditions such as high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation (abnormal heart rhythm) and heart attacks. The test also provides insight into your potential responses to eight classes of commonly prescribed medications that are used to treat such conditions.
We send you swabs specifically made for DNA sample collection. You gently rub these on the inside of your cheek for 30 seconds to collect cells containing your genetic information. Once done you seal these in a pre-paid collection envelope and return it to us along with a simple test laboratory form and your signed consent form. It is a very simple process.
PHARMACOGENOMICS
Pharmacogenomics looks at how your genetic make-up can affect your response to medications.
There is a great variation in an individual’s response to medication. Anyone currently taking prescribed medication, particularly for a chronic illness, or who may need to take medication in the future may find the test invaluable.
Knowing your unique genetic make-up can help your doctor assess whether a medication is likely to harm you or hurt you before you take it. It helps them determine which medications may be right for you and help them to choose the right dose. This in turn enables your doctor to create a personalised treatment plan, which increases the likelihood of success and reduces the risk of adverse drug reactions or side effects.
Individuals’ responses to medications vary significantly because genes affecting the metabolism of drugs differ from person to person. If you lack a certain gene your body may be unable to break down a corresponding medicine resulting in a build up in the body, causing side effects. Alternatively, if you have an active gene it may lead to the swift breakdown of certain drugs, which means you need a higher dose than others for the medication to be effective.
We send you swabs specifically made for DNA sample collection. You gently rub these inside your cheek for 30 seconds to collect cells containing your genetic information. Once done you seal these in a pre-paid collection envelope and return it to us along with a simple test request and your signed consent form. It’s a very simple process.
The medications affected by your genes are numerous. They fall into categories such as cardiovascular, pain, psychiatric and neurological medications as well as anti-coagulates. Once tested, the results will be outlined in your personalised summary report.
The test does not look at current allergies to medicines nor potential allergies or intolerances to them. A blood test needs to be taken to gain this information.
Also, currently it does not test for every single drug on the market.
Diet & fitness
Your genes have a significant and sometimes profound effect on how your body responds to different types of exercise and diet.
A number of genetic variations are known to affect your physical fitness, your tendency to be better at strength or endurance based activities, your metabolism and your sensitivity to a high fat diet.
This test is for anyone interested in understanding how to most effectively and efficiently optimise their diet, supplements and workout for overall improvements in health and wellbeing.
Your genes affect certain aspects of your metabolism and the processes your body uses to convert what you eat and drink into energy.
This test won’t solve your dieting issues but it will help you understand your food habits and attitude to food and why you have certain cravings. This in turn may help you manage these cravings more effectively. Your results will also help identify particular food groups that make certain individuals more prone to weight gain.
Your genetic profile helps to determine the right type of exercise for you. For example, you may be better at doing longer periods of lighter or more moderate exercise than intense and short workouts. Knowing this means that you can tailor your exercise regime and therefore benefit from a plan that suits you better.
Yes. The test will determine if you are at higher than normal risk for certain types of injury or excessive pain and soreness after certain types of training. It will provide you with ideas to eliminate or reduce these risks.
We send you swabs specifically made for DNA sample collection. You gently rub these inside your cheek for 30 seconds to collect cells containing your genetic information. Once done you seal these in a pre-paid collection envelope and return it to us along with a simple laboratory test request and your signed consent form. It is a very simple process.
Understanding how I react to certain medications has empowered me to make positive changes in my life.
Connor
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