FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How do you differ from other testing companies?

As a functional genomics company, we’re more interested in how genes and gene pathways ultimately influence your health and wellness as opposed to trying to fit you into a collection of genes or trying to guess where your ancestors came from. 

What can I learn from this test?

The goal of this test is to evaluate the roles that your genes play in the efficiency of several important biological and cellular processes in your body. We want to learn how well your body is performing the tasks necessary to maintain optimal health and wellness, and where there is an opportunity to make diet, lifestyle, and environmental changes that can set you up for the most optimal health outcomes. 

Will you sell my data to 3rd parties like insurance companies? How do you protect my data?

We will NEVER sell your personal data. However, from time to time, we will anonymize your genomic data and aggregate it with other data samples for the purpose of research & development and the advancement of human health, which we may share with our partners. Don't worry, your information is 100% anonymized and no one can tie your genomic data back to your personal data. We store all of our samples in an anonymized manner at a government facility. All of our data is anonymized BEFORE it leaves our facility, and we store all digital on our protected server hosted through Microsoft Azure's security platform. If you still would like to have your data deleted and your sample destroyed once you receive your results, simply let us know and we'll send you a confirmation email once it is complete.

Will this test diagnose any diseases or conditions that I may have?

No. This test is an association-based test. We don't diagnose you with disease. However, we try to identify genetic risk factors that may contribute to your risk of disease based on clinically documented research. Just because you're at an increased risk for a disease or condition based on your genetics, doesn't necessarily mean you will be diagnosed. Similarly, a normal or decreased risk doesn't necessarily mean you're safe from any particular disease or condition. Functional genomics evaluates both genomic and non-genomic factors to ultimately identify risks ahead of time and assists in building preventative health strategies for an improved health and wellness outlook over time.

Where do you ship your products?

We ship our test kits and supplements worldwide. Some countries may have customs and import duties or charges associated with our products and services. These charges are the responsibility of the client.

Can you use data from an existing DNA test for your products and services?

Unfortunately, we do not accept testing from other companies for our programs. As our test is functional in nature and takes variations outside of SNPs (such as CNVs and In/Dels) into account, it would be difficult to provide you with accurate conclusions from the results of another test. You would need to complete one of our tests in order to be eligible for our additional products and services.

Can you send me a sample of your reports?

Sure! Please send a request to admin@thednacompany.com and we would be happy to provide you with a sample of our reports.

Can I download my data from you and run thru a service such as Promethease?

Our raw data files are not compatible with third party software as we test for variations in genes outside of SNPs. This can cause an error in the conclusion drawn from third party software as they do not take into account the functional nature of these variations and their influence on health and wellness. We only test for the specific genes indicated in the report, therefore, we do not provide and do not have additional raw data.

How long does it take to ship out a kit after I place an order?

We send out collection kits 24 business hours after an order is placed. If you ordered over a weekend, you can expect a test kit to go out by Monday. Depending on where you live, it can take between 1-7 business days to reach you.

I'm concerned with section 4 of your Privacy Policy. I do not want my personal information used for any marketing purposes or given to any 3rd party (except for genetic information in the aggregate with your other customers). What ability do I have to limit what information you share?

We do not provide third parties with personal information. We will only use your genetic information aggregated in an anonymized manner for the purpose of R&D and the advancement of healthcare. Your personal information is never shared with anyone. Our privacy policy is enacted to protect both ourselves and the customer, but we have a general in-house policy of never providing personal information under any circumstances.

I don’t want my information or sample stored after you’ve completed my testing. How do you deal with this?

We take significant measures to protect your genetic information. If for some reason you desire to have your information removed and your sample destroyed after receiving your reports, simply indicate this to us on your genetic consent form when you provide it along with your completed sample. You can also send written instructions to admin@thednacompany.com with your request. Please note that if we destroy your sample and information, we will be unable to generate new reports as well as test for new genes without a new sample, and you will be required to pay the full cost of completing an additional test to receive any new information.

When you provide the DNA results regarding cancer related issues, can you detect the BRCA gene?

There are several forms of DNA testing, and it is important to understand the difference between all the forms of testing available to you as a consumer. 

 Diagnostic based testing: Testing for genes whose known mutation are deterministic of certain diseases (ie. Cystic fibrosis, Huntington's Disease) 
 Prognostic/Therapeutic based testing: Testing for genes after a disease is diagnosed to determine the impact of the disease (Breast cancer with Her2 amplification means a more aggressive cancer but also a cancer that can be treated with the cancer drug Herceptin) 
Risk Assessment testing: Testing for genes known to have a clinical risk associated with their mutation (ie. testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes)
Association-Based testing: Testing for genes whose combination of variations MAY contribute to several undesirable health outcomes, and when combined with non-genomic factors like lifestyle, environment and diet/nutrition, could increase your risk of developing certain diseases and health conditions.

Please note that we are NOT a diagnostics, prognostic, or risk-assessment testing company. We are an association-based testing company. We identify potential risk associations between certain diseases and genetic-based outcomes. Your possession of a specific variation within your gene will NOT indicate a diagnosis for a disease, but it MAY contribute to the overall risk of developing a disease or health condition when combined with other non-genomic factors. As a result, we do NOT test for the BRCA genes. 

Still have questions? Reach out to us, we are happy to help!