Collecting Your DNA Sample
Helix will send a DNA kit directly to your house, and you can give the sample from home. Unfortunately, this service isn’t available to those in the state of New York. Once you've completed your application you’ll need to deliver a one-time saliva sample, and to do this you’ll be sent a kit which contains a unique ID for registration, a saliva collection tube, cap, and printed instructions, and a small bag and prepaid box to deliver your saliva sample.
How Fast do the Results Come Back?
You’ll receive an email as soon as the results are ready. You can then log on and immediately view your results, but the test may take around six to eight weeks to be completed. Some packages include a session with a certified genetic counselor. If this pertains to your package, you can arrange this appointment through your email.
What do the Results Include?
What results are included is entirely dependent on which package you choose to pursue, as this provider offers a number of different uses for the DNA test. You may look into the likelihood that you're a disease carrier, what the details of your regional ancestry are, or how susceptible to intolerances you are, along with details about how your genes affect your heart, and the way you exercise or diet.
It’s mentioned that all reports will be user friendly for access and review.
How Does Helix Protect Your Privacy?
While your personal data is collected and stored with this company, there’s a guarantee that nothing will be passed on to any third party reviewers, and that it won't be used without your consent. Beware when signing up for a test here, though, as the fine print in your agreement will require sharing your saliva or DNA with a DNA product partner or a research partner, and this is something you could easily consent to without realizing it.
Matching With Relatives
Unfortunately, there’s no option to compare your DNA with other Helix customers, and so you can’t cross-reference to see if you have an unexpected family match.
Helix’s Prices and Details
Helix Ancestry - Free
- Find out your regional ancestry from 26 regions
- Check for the following traits:
- Altitude adaptation
- Arctic adaptation
- Inuit adaptation
- Lactose intolerance
- Malaria adaptation
Helix Wellness - Free
Check how your DNA affects the following traits:
- BMI introduction
- Calcium levels
- Gluten tolerance
- Vitamin D levels
- Alcohol Flush
- Delayed Sleep
- Endurance vs Power
MyTraits Sport for iOS - $144.99
Discover how your genes affect traits like your athletic ability, metabolism, and BMI.
Goal Getter - $190.00
Reveal your body’s potential with a personalized action plan that provides DNA-based nutrition and actionable recommendations to help you achieve your goals, with insights into how your specific body deals with:
- Weight
- Sleep
- Performance
- Healthy Aging
- Food Sensitivities
Heart Start - $239.00
Use markers in your blood and DNA to offer insights that can empower you to positively change your wellness.
Carrier Check - $249.99
Assess your DNA to see your likelihood to carry 67 different diseases. This product is great for those planning to start a family.
Summary
Many of these mentioned packages are cheaper once Helix has your DNA, as it only requires the one sample. This means that you could do the free test, and then access the other tests for cheaper.
However, there are more comprehensive tests out there that work out a little less expensive. For example, 23andMe also offers a variety of health assessment options, but more in the way of family and ancestry checks, and has prices starting at just $79.
