Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Gene SNP DNA Analysis and what does it analyze?
Over the last few decades, developments in the science of genetics and technology have transformed our understanding of disease. This advent in medicine has made early intervention and effective management a real possibility for both Health Professional and patient alike. Today we know the degree to which diet influences the balance between healthy and disease states may depend on an individual's genetic makeup.
Services like genetic analysis can help develop a practice and its wellness program by introducing patients to advantages of testing and improved health outcomes.
Some diet-regulated genes (and their normal, common variants) are likely to play a role in:
- Onset, Incidence, Progression and/or severity of chronic diseases
Dietary intervention, based on knowledge of nutritional requirement, nutritional status, and genotype can be used to prevent, mitigate or remedy chronic disease.
The nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis is a comprehensive kit that provides a laboratory analysis of specific gene variants in your genetic material (DNA) that have been found to influence health. In combination with interpretation from your health professional, nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis provides valuable information about gene expression and its impact on factors like cardiovascular, endocrine and mental/emotional health. In addition, nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis also looks at select nutrients and fitness factors that may contribute to chronic health concerns including obesity.
- Who should use this product?
Anyone under the care of a physician/health professional concerned about how their genetic makeup plays a role in diet, nutrition and exercise should use this product.
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How can understanding your genes provide you with a longer, healthier life?
Your health is a result of interactions between your genes and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, smoking, and alcohol. It is your genetic makeup that determines which nutrients are utilized, how they are used, the way toxins are removed and how effective these key processes are within the body. The best part is that the results remain accurate throughout your life since your gene makeup does not change. Since your genes don’t change, you have the ability to regulate the behavior and change the functioning of your genes through diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation. And while you can’t change your genes, you can change your lifestyle.
- Can I alter my genes through diet or lifestyle, or by using a vaccine?
No matter what we do, our genes remain the same throughout our lifetime. No amount of food or exercise can physically alter our genes. With proper nutritional supplementation and lifestyle changes, you can maintain the functioning of your gene variations to maintain optimal health.
- Can you tell me if I carry the genes for a serious illness?
No. The nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis is not a test for inherited disorders or inherited predisposition to disease. We do not screen for disorders caused by a defect in a single gene, such as Huntington’s disease, cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. Our screening process is relevant only for the much more common situation: the presence of gene variations that influence a person’s ability to derive maximal benefit from diet and lifestyle practices recommended by current wellness research.
- Will you be able to tell me if I am ill?
No, we can only determine what types of genes people have and how they relate to certain metabolic factors involved in well-being. You healthcare provider may utilize a nutrigenomic analysis to identify health factors that have not presented clinically, but they would like to track.
- What is included in the Gene SNP DNA Analysis?
Your nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis kit includes
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Sample Tube suitable for mailing
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Two swabs
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Consent form, Genetic Assessment Request Form & instructions.
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A laboratory analysis of specific gene variants in your genetic material (DNA) that have been found to influence specific areas of health, delivered to your Health Professional after 6 - 10 weeks, for review and follow-up.
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- What do I do with the Consent and the Genetic Assessment Forms?
Both forms have to be filled out and signed by the patient and Health Professional before the laboratory can accept your swabs for processing and DNA analysis. Your provider's office will mail the completed forms with your swabs in the provided tube to be processed by the laboratory within 7 days. Your results will be available to your provider within 6 - 10 weeks.
- How does the Gene SNP DNA Analysis testing process work?
In the privacy of your provider's office, you simply use a mouth swab to collect cheek cells, which contain your DNA. The swabs are put into the blue and white swab holder provided for drying and later transport. Your provider will send the swabs with the Genetic Assessment Request Form and the Consent Form in the cylindrical tube to the CLIA certified laboratory for processing. Once at the certified laboratory, DNA is extracted from your swabs and then prepared for analysis. The DNA is analyzed using the latest genotyping technology to give the most accurate results. Your DNA analysis is then entered into a sophisticated, algorithm-based computer software program that generates your confidential, easy-to-follow Gene SNP Weight & Wellness report to go over with your healthcare provider. nutraMetrix®️ is dedicated to providing Health Professionals with up to date resources to help further address all areas of health that may be impacted based on the results of your wellness report.
- How long does it take to get my Gene SNP DNA Analysis results?
It typically takes 6 to 10 weeks for your provider to receive your Gene SNP Analysis Report.
- How accurate are the results of my Gene SNP analysis?
The analysis of your DNA is in compliance with the Quality Assurance and Accuracy Verification Standards of the CLIA certified laboratory. The accuracy of the genetic analysis is greater than 95%.
- How can my sample fail the Gene SNP DNA Analysis?
Sometimes the sample provided does not contain enough DNA because you just brushed your teeth, have had coffee or tea, or if it took too long (longer than 7 days) to reach the laboratory for analysis the DNA was not good enough to analyze.
- How is my privacy protected?
Protecting your privacy is at the core of Gene SNP Analysis Service. We recognize your need for strong privacy protection and the careful management of your personal information. Any information you share with Gene SNP is kept strictly confidential and is secured electronically using sophisticated encryption technology. The laboratory personnel and others who are required in the processing of your genetic results have been trained and tested to meet the requirements of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Your results are handled as Protected Health Information (PHI), as defined in HIPAA and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in accordance to that defined in 45 CFR, §160 and Subparts A and E of §164.
- Should I worry about privacy issues?
Your Genetic Information will be encrypted and will not be directly associated with your personal information collected from your Customer Profile, but will be stored in an anonymized database maintained in accordance to CLIA and HIPAA standards. Your anonymized information may be used by the laboratory research affiliates to conduct further analyses for commercial purposes. Under no conditions will this information be released to third parties in a way that discloses personal information, except with your written permission, unless required by law. The laboratory is vigilant against breaches of security and continually improves security and privacy safeguards.
- Do I need to take the test a second time to see if my nutritional plan is working?
No, a second test is not necessary. Results remain accurate throughout your life since your gene makeup does not change. While your genes don’t change, you do have the ability to optimize the functioning of your genes through diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation.
You can’t change your genes, you can change your lifestyle and how your genes behave.
- What is the difference between the Nutri-Physical® and the Gene SNP DNA Analysis?
The Nutri-Physical is an analytical tool that recommends a customized nutritional supplementation program based on your answers to a series of lifestyle and behavioral questions. These questions center around your current health and various lifestyle factors including diet, exercise, medical history, current supplementation and related contributing factors.
The nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis is a specialized program which, with the help of your health provider's clinical judgment analyzes your DNA and lifestyle and recommends a program to your particular body chemistry. It will help you identify the changes needed to promote your health and wellness. According to variations in your DNA and your lifestyle choices, the nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis will make recommendations based on how your body metabolizes food, utilizes nutrients, removes toxins and responds to physical activity. The nutraMetrix®️ Gene SNP DNA Analysis helps you understand how your genetic profile affects your well-being by a simple swab of your cheek.
- Can insurance hold findings from the analysis against me?
Most states have laws prohibiting genetic discrimination, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (or “GINA”), is a federal law that protects Americans from discrimination by health insurance companies and employers on the basis of DNA information. This law does not cover life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance. For more information, please visit http://www.genome.gov/10002328