FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS DNA WELLNESS SCREENING? 

DNA Wellness Screening allows you to screen your DNA for health and wellness traits including Nutrients, Dietary, Fitness, Health, Skin Care, and Personality. You can personalize your lifestyle and wellness based on your unique DNA profile and recommendations. 


WHAT IS GENE? 

Genes are the bits of DNA that give our cells instructions on their roles. Each gene is comprised of multiple combinations of four letters that make up your genetic code: A, T, C, and G. Different combinations of letters gives different products, such as different proteins required for your body to develop and function. 


WHAT IS SINGLE-NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM (SNP)? 

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is also called genetic variant - DNA sequence variation occurring when one of four letters (A,T,C,G) in the genome differs between individuals. These variants are useful biological markers, helping researchers to identify changes in genes and determine a person’s chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder, increased risks of health problems, to assess your nutrients deficiency, or to assess responses to treatments. 


AM I ELIGIBLE FOR DNA WELLNESS SCREENING? 

Everyone including you are eligible for DNA Wellness Screening. In any age, gender, occupation and some health circumstances, including pregnancy, common illness (cold or flu), and taking common medications, such as those for acid reflux. However, DNA Personalized Wellness is not a diagnostic tool. Any medical enquiry and consultation please refer to a medical doctor or healthcare provider. 


WILL THE TEST RESULTS CHANGE AS TIME GOES? 

The test result will not change as time goes. Your DNA is inherited from your parents and stable regardless in any circumstance. 


HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO OBTAIN THE WELLNESS RESULTS? 

The whole process from sample collection to report generation usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to obtain the wellness results. 


HOW ACCURATE AND RELIABLE ARE THE RESULTS? 

These wellness reports are generated based on a "curated model", which means the results are supported by published international scientific literature on association between a genetic marker and a trait. The version of DNA you have at that genetic marker (your genotype) can impact which version of the trait you are more likely to have. With this proven and robust 12 years Infinium Assay technology, results are highly reproducible, as high as 99%. 


WHY MY DNA RESULT IS DIFFERENT FROM MY EXPECTATION? 

It is possible for your DNA result is different from your expectation because your DNA profile can only provide likelihoods, but not certainties. There could be other genetic factors scientists don't yet know about that influence trait. There could also be non-genetic factors at play, such as your age, environment, or lifestyle. If you have a different trait than what your genetics would suggest — start to think what are the possible factors that leads you to such development. 


WHO WILL HAVE ACCESS TO THE GENETIC TEST RESULTS? 

Unless you give consent to genetic test provider, only you will have the access to the genetic test results. 


HOW IS THIS PROGRAM DONE? 

This program is done in a process of 3 steps; (i) sample collection (ii) sample processing and (iii) report generation. Once you spit your saliva and send your sample, your DNA will be isolated and extracted from your saliva samples. The extracted DNA will be applied to a DNA BeadChip. Your DNA will be attached to matching genetic variant from the database. Reports are generated based on the type of genetic variants that match to your DNA. 


WHY SALIVA SAMPLE IS PREFERRED? 

As compared to hair and blood samples, saliva sample is preferred because it is a user-friendly, convenient and non-invasive method for DNA sample collection. In addition, saliva samples provide consistently sufficient DNA concentration whereas buccal swab samples do not. 


HOW DO I PROVIDE MY SALIVA SAMPLE? 

Detailed instructions are included in each saliva collection kit, Generally the instruction is as follows: 

1.  Do not eat, drink, smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth, or use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes prior to providing your sample. 

2. Spit the recommended volume of saliva. The recommended volume of saliva to provide is about 2 mL. Your saliva sample should be just above the fill line. 

3. Cap securely before shipping your sample. Remember to remove and discard the funnel lid and place the tube cap on securely before shipping. 

Your results will be ready in approximately 6-8 weeks, after the laboratory receives your sample. 

CAN THIS DNA WELLNESS SCREENING TELL IF SOMEONE HAS A DISEASE? 

No, this DNA Wellness Screening is non-diagnostic test, and the results should not be considered as medical advice. It is unable to detect infectious agents or markers of disease states, rather it looks at markers of your general health and wellness that can be improved through your lifestyle changes. Any medical concerns or abnormal results should be discussed with your healthcare service provider. 


CAN MY FAMILY PERSONALIZE THEIR LIFESTYLE BASED ON MY DNA WELLNESS SCREENING REPORT? 

It is highly not recommended. Everyone in a family has different DNA profile. This might be due to few reasons – (a) our DNA combination is inherited from parents by probability (b) the influence of non-genetic factors (food preferences, personal lifestyle and diet intake). 


DOES DNA WELLNESS SCREENING PROVIDE PRE- AND/OR POST GENETIC COUNSELLING SERVICE? 

Pre- and/or post genetic counselling services are not included in DNA Wellness Screening currently. All concerns regarding wellness results should be discussed with a medical doctor or genetic counsellor or healthcare service provider. 


WHAT LANGUAGE IS THE REPORT AVAILABLE IN? 

The report is currently available in English. Other languages such as Bahasa Melayu and Mandarin will be prepared if there is a demand. 


Still have questions? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk.