Frequently Asked Questions

No, there is no age limit for testing. Any of the DNA tests can be performed on individuals of any age, even newborns. If the patient is a minor, the legal guardian must sign the DNA testing consent form.

No, the DNA test kits do not have an expiration date.

DNA is collected by rubbing a brush gently inside the mouth against the cheek for 15 seconds. The collection is safe and painless and can be performed on individuals at any age, including infants.

Your results will be available in your secure online account as soon as testing is complete. Your results can also be emailed or mailed to you, if requested.

All test kits are stored at room temperature before and after sample collection. Test kits can be stored indefinitely prior to sample collection. Test kits should be returned for testing within 3 months after sample collection.

No. The testing will only proceed for DNA samples collected using the sterile mouth swabs provided with each kit.

Test kits for the Health & Disease, Diet & Fitness, Behaviour & Traits and Ancestry tests contain DNA collection instructions, a DNA Test Requisition Form and buccal (mouth) swabs for one individual.

DNA Relationship Test Kits contain DNA collection instructions, a DNA Test Requisition Form and buccal (mouth) swabs for the simple test option for each test. For example, the DNA Paternity Test kit contains buccal swabs for a child and an alleged father.

Prenatal DNA testing can be performed using a CVS sample or an amniotic fluid sample. If you are interested in proceeding with prenatal testing, the first step is to arrange an appointment for amniocentesis or CVS with your physician/obstetrician. Once the appointment is confirmed, please let us know and we will help you to initiate a file and send the collection kit directly to your physician. If you are unable to have a prenatal sample collected, please note that DNA testing can be performed on the day of birth using a mouth swab kit.

The DNA collection kits can be shipped to any country in the world.

Yes, your results are 100% confidential. No one will be able to access your account or your results unless you give them your confidential account login. You can change the password to your account at any time. Please remember to safeguard your login information and not share it with anyone.

No, your diet does not affect your DNA. Aside from no food or drink for just 15 minutes prior to collecting your DNA sample, there are no restrictions on your dietary intake.

This also applies for the celiac disease and lactose intolerance DNA tests, as the ingestion of gluten or dairy products are not required for accurate DNA analyses.

Your results for any of the DNA relationship tests will be available one business day after the lab receives the DNA samples. Please note that delays may occur during peak season, and due to the reasons listed below.

• Poor quality of the DNA sample, which can occur if the proper collection instructions are not followed.
• Late lab fee payment. Laboratory testing will not begin until lab fees are paid in full.
• Rare genetic variations may require further testing and cause delays.
• Closely related alleged fathers (e.g. brothers). Further testing may be required to accurately determine which individual is the true biological father of a child.

If the parties to be tested live at different addresses, the kit can be split and the sample collection components sent to each address separately. Since the collection components are individually barcoded, they will be tested together once the samples arrive back at the laboratory.

If the mother already knows that she is the biological mother of a child, then there is no need to test her if only the alleged father is in question. A conclusive answer regarding paternity can be obtained without testing the mother.

If the alleged father is deceased, forensic DNA testing can be considered using items which may contain the alleged father’s DNA. Forensic DNA testing can be performed on anything that has biological material from the father, such as an old toothbrush, electric razor, blood stains, saliva stains, and bone or teeth from an exhumation. If it is not possible to obtain a forensic sample for the alleged father, testing his direct relatives can be considered. If his parents are alive, the grandparent test can be performed. If he has any siblings, then an aunt or uncle test can be performed. If the alleged father has other children, then a full or half sibling test can be performed.

Urine and blood samples are self-collected following the detailed instructions included in the kits. Samples are placed in the specimen bags provided and mailed back to the lab using the prepaid envelopes inside the kits.

Our lab uses several different assays to detect the seven tested STDs. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis are detected using a molecular testing technique known as nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), which detects the presence of the STD DNA from a urine sample. Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays (CMIAs) are used to detect infections from HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and syphilis. CMIAs can detect either antigens (parts of the infectious agent) or antibodies (molecules produced by your immune system in response to an infection).

Avoiding vaginal, rectal or oral sex is the only sure-fire way to prevent STDs. If you are sexually active, male condoms when used properly, reduce the risk of getting STDs. Long-term monogamous relationships with a tested partner also reduce the risk.

All testing is completely anonymized to ensure that your data is protected. Your samples are processed using alphanumeric codes to ensure confidentiality. Following testing, your samples are disposed of by our CAP accredited and CLIA approved laboratories.

Contact a health professional to discuss any positive results as soon as possible. Additional testing is required for confirmation for several of the STDs tested. Ensure that any recent sexual partners are aware of your diagnosis so they can also request testing.

A negative result does not exclude the possibility of infection. False-negative test results may occur due to improper specimen collection, concurrent antibiotic therapy, presence of inhibitors, or organism levels below the sensitivity of the laboratory assays (which is common in the “window period” post-exposure).

False-positive (or false-reactive) results are rare. A false-positive/reactive result may also occur directly after successful antimicrobial therapy for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis, immediately after hepatitis B vaccination, or in individuals previously treated for syphilis or recovered from hepatitis C. It is important to note that follow-up testing is required to confirm reactive results for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis C.

The women’s health tests available here measure the levels of various hormones that play a big role in women’s health. Hormone imbalances influence fertility, body weight, energy levels, hair and skin appearance, mental health, menstrual cycle, sex drive, and more. An understanding of your hormone levels can aid in an accurate diagnosis of various health complications. In addition, many hormone imbalances are treatable. Other health tests are also available in the Wellness category, which are very beneficial to both males and females.

Self-collect your sample following the detailed instructions included in the kit. Place your sample in the specimen bag provided and mail it back to the lab using the prepaid envelope inside the kit.

Our lab uses verified and approved chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays (CMIAs) to accurately measure the various hormones. Your results are available through our online portal as soon as testing is complete.

Self-collect your sample following the detailed instructions included in the kit. Place your sample in the specimen bag provided and mail it back to the lab using the prepaid envelope inside the kit.

Our lab uses verified and approved chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays (CMIAs) to accurately measure several hormones and your total PSA and free PSA levels. Your results are available through our online portal as soon as testing is complete.

It is important to share any abnormal results with you healthcare provider, as they can take into consideration your medical history, any previous test results, physical examinations, and other factors to determine the best treatment option. Many hormonal imbalances are easily treatable.