What is the ordering and testing process?
- Sign-up for a free account by clicking the Get Started link.
- Order the DNA UNLOCKED genome test and fill out the order form in the checkout process.
- You will receive your sample collection KIT in 3-5 business days from date of your order.
- Collect your buccal (cheek) swab sample at your convenience and send it back to us in the provided envelope.
- Activate your KIT by signing-in to your account and clicking the "Activate Kit" button. On the activation page enter your unique KIT ID# provided in the sample collection KIT, sign the consent form (checkbox), and fill in the required questions. You will need to Activate your KIT in order to view/download your results.
- Once your sample is received, we will sequence your sample using next-generation sequencing technology (+/- microarray testing) within 90 days.
- Your data will be analyzed and interpreted by a medical doctor who is a genetics/genomics expert giving you the most accurate results science allows today.
- You will receive an alert when your genome data/results are ready and uploaded to the portal.
- Log-in to the portal to view/download your results and gain insights about your health and more based on your genome**.
** Remember you need to Activate your KIT in order to view/download your results.
What is the price of the test?
The price of the DNA UNLOCKED Genome test is only $2,500. This includes sequencing your entire exome or protein coding genes plus micorarray testing and analysis/interpretation of your results to produce a Personalized Genome Report.
What forms of payment are accepted?
We currently accept all major credit cards or debit cards including VISA, Mastercard, DISCOVER, and American Express.
How long does it take for my sample collection KIT to be shipped to me?
It typically takes 3-5 business days for your sample collection KIT to arrive from the time the order was placed.
How do I take the DNA UNLOCKED Genome test?
DNA UNLOCKED is a simple cheek swab based test you can do in the comfort of your own home. Once you order the service, you will receive the DNA UNLOCKED kit in the mail in a matter of days. Your kit includes full instructions, a saliva/cheek swab with collection tubes, and a return envelope to place your collected sample in. After returning your sample by just dropping the envelope in the mail, your sample is received and processed in our lab. When the DNA results are ready you will receive an email notification and then you can sign-in to the Genome portal and explore your genome results!
** Remember you will need to Activate your KIT in order to view/download your results.
How do I activate my account to view my results?
In order to view your Genome results you must create an account using your email and entering a unique password.
After your sign-in to your account, click on the the "ACTIVATE KIT" link.
1. There you will need to enter the unique confirmation number that you received in an email when you purchased your KIT in the "KIT ID#" field.
2. You also need to read and sign the consent form by checking the required checkbox. We encourage you to also check the optional checkboxes to allow us to use your sample anonymously for research.
3. Fill in the required questions.
4. Click on the "ACTIVATE" button, and your KIT will be active for you to view/download your results once the results are uploaded!
How long does it take for my results to be ready?
It takes approximately 8-12 weeks for your sample to be processed, sequenced and analyzed from the time that the lab receives your DNA sample. Please note that you must also Activate your DNA KIT online in order to view/download your results.
What will my DNA UNLOCKED results tell me?
With DNA UNLOCKED you will learn about your own personal genetic make-up and unlock the secrets of your DNA. You will receive an easy to understand personalized report that will give you insights about your:
- Conditions that are specific to the Arab population in your region
- Cancer predispositions
- Predisposition to some chronic diseases like coronary artery disease or diabetes that is based on your personal medical and family history
- Reproductive health (i.e. carrier status of Mendelian recessive or X-linked diseases)
- Secondary conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics/Genomics (ACMGG)
- Wellness, nutrition and fitness traits (including propensity for vitamin deficiencies, obesity and much more)
- Common traits (e.g. male pattern baldness, worrier vs. warrior trait, ear wax and more)
- Ancestry origins (using our partnering service FamilyTreeDNA)
- Receive continuous updates as scientific knowledge about genetics/genomics advances
Will I learn about my disease risks from my exome/genome?
Some diseases are straightforward, and you may learn that you are affected or at least a carrier of a particular condition. However, many health traits are complex and are a combination of multiple genetic markers along with environment, lifestyle, ethnicity and age to name a few factors. As such, for these complex diseases the risk score/level that you may receive from the DNA UNLOCKED results is a relative risk / probability estimate and should be taken with a grain of salt. Always check back to see if your risk score for a particular trait has changed as a result of new scientific discoveries.
How do I view my Genome / DNA UNLOCKED results?
Once your results are ready you will receive an email notification to sign-in and view your personalized genome results on our secure web portal. At any time you may download your results in pdf format for your record or to share with your healthcare provider.
**Remember you will need to Activate your KIT in order to be able to view/download your results.
Can I contribute to scientific / medical research using my genome data?
Yes! If you sign the consent to allow us to use your data for research you will be making a big contribution to science and medicine that can have a positive impact for your community or your family and could even allow us to improve the reporting of your own results in the future. Your data will always be de-identified/anonymous when used for research so your identity is never revealed to anyone.
How reliable are the Genome / DNA UNLOCKED testing results?
The testing is performed in a regulated laboratory adhering to high quality control protocols to ensure your data is as accurate and precise as possible. Your data is then analyzed and interpreted by the most qualified genetics/genomics expert in the field using advanced analysis tools and methods to provide the most reliable scientific and health information possible. Scientific and medical knowledge is constantly changing and our specialists are constantly keeping up-to-date with newly found scientific/medical data, so that your results are the most accurate possible.
Is the testing done in a regulated laboratory?
Yes. All sequencing and genetic testing is done in a CAP (Certified Authorization Professional) and CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) certified laboratory that adheres to the highest regulatory standards in the United States.
What technology is used to sequence or genotype the DNA samples?
We always strive to use the most advanced technology on the market for best results. Currently we use Illumina based sequencing and genotyping technology.
How is the analysis and interpretation of my results done?
Each individual's DNA is unique and thus requires a personalized approach to analysis and interpretation of data. Your genome data is annotated and analyzed using advanced methods and tools and is performed with best practices by an American board certified and CLIA certified genetics/genomics expert to ensure the most accurate results possible.
Is the platform/portal HIPAA compliant?
Yes, the platform/portal is entirely HIPAA compliant. We take your genome and health data very seriously. HIPAA or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 is United States legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical / health related information. This is the highest standard of data privacy and security. We follow strict HIPAA protocols and security measures to ensure your information is always encrypted and kept private.
How private and secure is the Genome service?
The Genome service adheres to the most stringent industry standard practices to store your DNA sample, your DNA results, and other personal or health related data you provide to us. The order form and the platform we use is entirely HIPAA compliant to ensure your information is always kept private. You will also only be able to view and download your results by logging into our portal using your unique username and password. As long as you do not share your login information, there is no way anyone can check on your results other than you, unless you decide to share your results.
