Genetic Testing

What is Genetic Testing:

Genetic testing is the analysis of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) to identify the presence of gene mutations or alterations that may be associated with various genetic disorders or diseases. Genetic testing can help determine the risk of developing a certain condition or disease, help with diagnosis, and provide information about the likelihood of passing on a genetic mutation to offspring.

Types of Genetic Testing:

There are several types of genetic testing available, and each has its unique purpose. Here are some of the most common types of genetic testing:

Diagnostic testing: This type of testing is used to confirm a suspected genetic disorder based on the presence of specific symptoms.
Predictive testing: Predictive testing is used to identify the likelihood of developing a certain genetic disorder, especially when there is a family history of the condition.
Carrier testing: This type of testing is used to identify people who carry a gene mutation for a specific genetic disorder but do not show symptoms of the disorder.
Prenatal testing: Prenatal testing is performed during pregnancy to identify any genetic disorders that may affect the fetus.
Newborn screening: Newborn screening is a test that is performed soon after birth to identify genetic disorders that can be treated early.

How is Genetic Testing Performed?

Genetic testing can be performed using a variety of techniques, including blood tests, saliva samples, and tissue samples. Once the sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory where the DNA is extracted and analyzed. The laboratory will then provide a report detailing the results of the test.

Benefits of Genetic Testing:

Genetic testing can provide many benefits to individuals and families. Here are some of the most common benefits of genetic testing:

Early diagnosis: Genetic testing can help identify genetic disorders early, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
Risk assessment: Genetic testing can help determine an individual’s risk of developing a certain condition, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.
Family planning: Genetic testing can help individuals and couples determine their risk of passing on a genetic disorder to their children, which can help with family planning decisions.
Personalized treatment: Genetic testing can help identify the specific genetic mutations that are causing a particular condition, allowing for personalized treatment plans.

Limitations of Genetic Testing:

While genetic testing can be very beneficial, it is important to recognize that there are some limitations to genetic testing. Here are some of the most common limitations of genetic testing:

Incomplete information: Genetic testing can only identify mutations that are known to be associated with a particular condition. There may be other genetic mutations that are not yet identified.
Limited predictive ability: While genetic testing can help identify an individual’s risk of developing a particular condition, it cannot predict with certainty whether an individual will develop the condition.
Psychological impact: The results of genetic testing can have a significant psychological impact on individuals and families, especially if the results indicate a high risk of developing a particular condition.

Conclusion:

Genetic testing is a powerful tool that can provide valuable information about an individual’s health and risk for certain conditions. While there are some limitations to genetic testing, the benefits of genetic testing are significant, and the information provided by genetic testing can help individuals and families make informed decisions about their health and well-being

Living DNA

Understanding your wellbeing allows you to be the best version of you

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What’s Included

Understand how different foods, vitamins and exercises work with your body. Perhaps you need extra Vitamin D or find out that stretching is key to your exercise program.

Vitamin Response

Discover how your body responds to key vitamins such as Vitamin D. We look at the genetic variant that can impact the way in which your body metabolizes different vitamins and minerals.

Food Metabolism

Understand how your body processes different foods and what effects they can have such as gluten sensitivity and lactose digestion.

Nutrition Advice

Maximise what you eat with our tips on foods that provide you with the nutrients you need. Discover our Nutrition DNA testing page for more information.

Exercise

From weights to cardio, find out the best type of exercises and equipment that support your genetic makeup. Discover our Fitness DNA testing page for more information.

Recovery

Find out the best way to wind down after exercise with our recommendations.

Exercise Ideas

Get professional exercise tips and advice that can fit around your lifestyle.

Your Health Experience

From weight management to strength and stamina, you will discover how genetically, your body breaks down different vitamins, food types and the exercise program that can best support you. Understand the role genetics plays with your lifestyle choices and how you can optimise your wellbeing.

Nebula Genomics

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Stay up to date with the most cutting-edge genomic research

Our team curates the latest scientific discoveries to create personalized reports based on your Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test results. New reports on various genetic traits are added regularly. The Nebula Research Library already contains over 200 research-based reports.

Get access to over 100 gigabytes of raw DNA data

Explore it on your own. Bring your DNA data to your physician to help identify predispositions and improve health.

Discover Your Roots

Unlike other ancestry tests, we identify all genetic markers to help you discover your entire family history.

You get access to the world’s largest Y-DNA and mtDNA databases where you can trace your parents’ lines, find relatives, and build your family tree.

Explore Your DNA

Take a deep dive into your DNA with our powerful tools to examine your genes and search for specific variants.

Privacy First DNA Testing

Nebula Genomics is the leading privacy-focused personal genomics service. Our mission is to make direct-to-consumer DNA testing secure. In partnership with Oasis Labs, we give you access to cutting-edge privacy-preserving technology.

Take irrevocable ownership of your Whole Genome Sequencing data.
Control who can access your data and for what purpose it is used.
Keep your genetic information protected in a secure computing environment.

23andMe

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Our Genetic Health Risk*, Considerations and Limitations for Health Predispositions Reports, Carrier Status Reports and Genetic Health RisksCarrier Status*, Considerations and Limitations for Health Predispositions Reports, Carrier Status Reports and Genetic Health Risksand Pharmacogenetics** Considerations and Limitations for Pharmacogenetics Reportsreports meet FDA criteria for being scientifically
and clinically valid and accurate
All saliva samples are processed in CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited labs
Our DNA collection kit is FDA-cleared for use with our Genetic Health Risk, Carrier Status, and Pharmacogenetics reports
Our kit is manufactured in accordance with FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practice regulations
Genotyping is a well-established and reliable platform for analyzing DNA
Our team of scientists and medical experts uses a robust process to develop reports to ensure validity
Ancestry percentages are derived from our powerful, well-tested system that provides you with ancestry
estimates down to the 0.1%

Invitae

With an Invitae test, you get a more complete picture of your health—from the inside out. That’s a step in making healthier decisions. But you won’t know until you test.

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What are the potential results for a cardio, cancer, or genetic health screening?

Possible results

Positive: A positive test result generally means your genetics give you a higher-than-average risk of developing a specific condition. Remember, this doesn’t guarantee you will get the condition. It means you can now work with your doctor to proactively address the condition or detect it early, when it could be most treatable.

Negative: A negative result generally means we did not identify any changes in your genes that could increase your risk of developing a certain disease or disorder. This means you should continue with your doctor’s recommendations, like eating right, getting exercise and going to all your appointments.

What are some possible results for a pharmacogenomics test?

Your body uses enzymes to metabolize medications. Depending on your genetics, some of your enzymes might process certain medications faster or slower than the average person—causing you to respond to a medication differently than expected. This could be in the form of an adverse reaction and/or reduced effectiveness of the drug. For example, you may be a normal metabolizer for one drug metabolizing enzyme, but a rapid metabolizer for another.

Some possible results

Intermediate or Poor: Intermediate and poor metabolizers have decreased enzyme activity. Depending on the gene, you may experience exaggerated response to certain drugs affected by the enzyme.

Normal: Normal metabolizers have normal enzyme activity. Depending on the gene, this means your genes are unlikely to interfere with typical drug metabolism.

Rapid or Ultrarapid: Rapid and ultrarapid metabolizers have increased enzyme activity. Depending on the gene, you may experience exaggerated responses to certain drugs affected by the enzyme.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you which of your current or potential medications could be impacted by each status.