Collecting your DNA
The process is straightforward and won’t take long. New customers can order their DNA testing kit on the Futura Genetics website. After confirming your order and payment, the package will be delivered to you using express shipping. There are no shipping charges; you only pay for the equipment.
When you receive your kit, you’ll need to log onto the website to register that you have taken delivery of the test kit. Click ‘register your kit’ and enter the activation code found on the collection tube.
It is essential to ensure that the 8-digit activation code is entered correctly. If you make an error when manually entering the digits, you’re at risk of not receiving your information back once the tests have been run.
The kit contains a list of clear, easy to follow instructions on how to collect your saliva sample. After you have filled the tube with saliva, it needs to be sent back to the lab for testing. To get your sample back to the lab, log onto the site, and request collection. A notification will be sent to the company that you are ready to handover your sample.
Futura Genetics will send a courier to you. There’s no additional charge for this collection; it’s included in the initial cost. When your sample is safely received in the lab, you’ll receive confirmation of the same by email.
Customers can also drop the sample off at their nearest UPS dropbox. UPS is the nominated company that takes care of all Futura Genetics transport arrangements.
Customers who own data from 23andMe can use the same data. There‘s no need to repeat a DNA test. By simply uploading the raw data onto the Futura Genetics website, you can receive feedback within minutes.
The cost of this is significantly less than purchasing the kit, at only $99.
What Will be Measured?
The process is in-depth, containing various steps that need to occur to reach the final result.
First, technicians in the lab isolate and detect the DNA from your sample. With bioinformatics tools, the skilled workers can extract the information from within your genes and interpret it. They can then compile a report, which details precise information that they can further analyze.
The process takes careful attention and is compared to previous knowledge and information to determine if the individual is at risk of contracting any one of the 28 conditions.
How Fast Do Results Come Back?
The process can take up to 28 days, or four weeks in total. Customers will receive a notification as soon as the results are ready. If you are not sure about the time, or you would like to track the status of your results, you can log onto the site and check the progress.
The intuitive system sends updates each time the sample goes through one of the specific testing phases.
How to Read the Results
Unique algorithms work together with state of the art techniques, to compile an accurate report that can pick up if an individual is pre-dispositioned to contract any of the 28 diseases and conditions.
The report will be made available on the website that can be accessed at any time. When you click to view the report, a file will be downloaded as a PDF file to your computer. Click on that file name and the report will appear in a separate tab on your browser. You can then read it there or print it. The company also offers its customers the option of receiving a printed hard-copy version of the report delivered to them free of charge.
You may wish to take a printed report with you to your next medical check-up.
The detailed report will take a bit of time to read through. The first information customers will see is a list of tips or guidelines relating to environmental influences. The report highlights areas that an individual can adjust or improve on to minimize the risk of getting ill.
Next, the report will specify each condition or illness that they are pre-dispositioned to contract.. Your report will have three columns: Your Risk %, Average Risk %, and Your Genetic Risk. The last number is simply the first number divided by the second number. If the Risk is greater than 1.0 then you have a higher than average risk. If the Risk is less than 1.0 then you have a lower than average risk. The following pages in the report provide a more detailed description of each of the conditions, in case the reader is not familiar with any of the conditions or illnesses mentioned. This goes a long way to comfort the reader, as some conditions may not be well-known or understood.
The report is concluded with even more details on the various conditions, your specific marker values, and a glossary of the terminology in the report. The marker values are there in case you seek advice from a genetic counselor. You are not expected to understand them.
Customers can expect to be given specific information regarding which conditions or ailments they are at risk of contracting. The test covers 28 diseases, so while it is accurate in picking up 28 conditions, it won’t pick up anything outside of the specified list.
An individual who is alerted early enough that they are pre-dispositioned to contract Type 1 diabetes can make severe lifestyle changes immediately. In some cases, these people can avoid contracting the disease altogether.
When an individual knows that there is a chance they can fall ill with a particular ailment, they can manage their environments and lifestyles accordingly to minimize the risk.
In the same manner, if a person is at risk of being diagnosed with melanoma, they can opt to stay out of the sun as much as humanly possible to reduce the risks.