Frequently Asked Questions
Why get tested?
Apt decisions start with knowledge.
By knowing more about your genetic make-up, you are able to take steps towards a healthier life.
Where are samples collected?
The sample can be collected by you in the comfort of your own home, or at the Practitioner’s consulting rooms. Remember not to eat or drink anything 30min – 2 hours prior to taking the sample.
Is the kit easy to use?
Yes. The DNA sample collection kit comes complete with step-by-step instructions for quick and easy cheek cell collection using the swab provided. Sample collection takes only a few minutes and is completely safe and painless.
How long does delivery of the DNA kits take?
The estimated delivery times for the courier service to transport the DNA kit are as follows:
Delivery to the Customer/Patient:
- In Gauteng: The DNA kit should arrive within 2-3 days.
- In other areas of South Africa: The delivery typically takes 3-5 days.
- Please note that these timeframes do not include weekends. Deliveries to deep rural areas might require additional time.
Return of the DNA Kit to the Laboratory:
- In Gauteng: The kit should reach the laboratory within 2-3 days.
- In other areas of South Africa: The return journey usually takes 3-5 days.
- Similar to the outbound delivery, these estimates exclude weekends.
Processing of DNA Results:
- Once the sample has arrived at the laboratory, it generally takes approximately 2 weeks to process and provide the DNA results.
Keep in mind that these are estimated timeframes and actual delivery times may vary.
Is the DNA test confidential?
Completely. GENEWAY™ ensures complete discretion and client confidentiality. Results will only be released to the persons specified (eg you and your health care professional). All client files are password protected.
What is a ‘buccal’ swab, and is it as accurate as blood?
A swab looks like a long cotton wool bud. It is used to collect cheek cells from the inside of the mouth. DNA is consistent throughout the body, so the DNA in cheek cells is identical to the DNA in blood cells. The swab allows for non-invasive and painless collection of DNA.
What about confidentiality of data?
All data will be treated with strict confidence and will not be passed on to third parties. Please click here to view our Privacy Statement.
Why is information regarding ethnicity required?
The frequency of a given allele for each of the loci we test generally changes depending on ethnicity. Genetic differences between people of Caucasian, African or Asian backgrounds means that some recommendations might be slightly different for each ethnic groups as reported in research articles.
Is there a minimum age for genetic testing?
No, there is no minimum age. Collection of DNA samples is safe for all ages and painless.
Is my consent necessary?
It is a legal requirement that each person providing a sample for a DNA test must give their consent for the DNA test to be carried out. In the case of minors, individuals suffering from a mental disorder or those who are not in a position to give their own consent, a legal guardian or a person having parental responsibility for the individual must consent. Under the Human Tissue Act it is a criminal offence to take a sample from someone to test their DNA without their consent, except for medical purposes and lawful investigative purposes, for example a criminal investigation.
Click HERE to find a list of accredited GENEWAY™ providers.
DNA test price South Africa - How much are they?
What are the Geneway DNA testing prices?
Geneway offers a variety of different DNA tests, each developed specifically to give insights on various health factors impacted by your genetic make-up. Below is a brief overview of each test and the price.
| Name of DNA Test | Price |
|---|---|
| GENERENEW | R3500.00 |
| GENESPORT | R3500.00 |
| GENEDIET | R3500.00 |
| GENEWELL | R3910.00 |
| GENECOMBO | R4490.00 |
| GENE-Rx | Contact info@geneway.health for costs |
GENERENEW
This tests provides an idication of your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, and reagents or creams. This DNA test will give you a clearer idea of how to best care for your skin and guide you in terms of the skin care products that you need or should avoid. You will also get information on collagen synthesis for firmness and elasticity of your skin.
The GENERENEW DNA testing price is R3500.00
GENESPORT
This test is great for athletes on a professional or amateur level. It will help you determine if your athletic abilities are more suited to strength or endurance sports. It will also help you understand your risk of injury and how your body will recover from injury or exercise. This test also includes dietary and training recommendations based on how your body responds to exercise.
The GENESPORT DNA Testing price is R3500.00.
GENEDIET
Ever wonder what your obesity risk is, how your body responds to exercise or the type of diet you should be following based on your genetics? This test will help you to gain insights that will help you manage your weight, what diet to follow, what addictive traits you might have, fat breakdown, exercise response and micronutrient needs.
The GENEDIET DNA Testing price is R3500.00.
GENEWELL
This particular genetic testing will give you insight into your health and wellness, cancer risk and if any hormone replacement therapy might be needed. General health and wellness insights includes predisposition for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cholesterol, hypertension, bone health, caffeine sensitivity, salt sensitivity, blood clotting, inflammation and mood disorders. General cancer risk based on the way your body’s detoxification ability and your estrogen metabolism.
The GENEWELL DNA Testing price is R3910.
GENECOMBO
This test is by far the most popular choice. This test is a combination of the above four tests (GENERENEW, GENESPORT, GENEDIET and GENEWELL) giving all the insights gained from testing 60 genes.
The GENECOMBO DNA Testing price is R4490.00
GENE-Rx
This test gives you insights into Pharmacogenetics. It will help you identify if you are the right patient, using the right drug, at the right dose, at the right time with the right route.
Contact info@geneway.health for costs.
The various tests have different prices. Contact your GENEWAY™ Provider or send an email to lab@geneway.health for more information and details.
How long does it take before the results are available?
In most cases, the results of a test take between 2 – 4 weeks.
How is my personal information protected?
Your privacy and security are important to us. Entry into our DNA testing facility is by restricted access only. All samples are bar-coded and all computer systems are secured. Results and case information are shared only with authorized individuals. All samples are retained for a period of time, as required by law, but are destroyed after the requisite storage periods.
Can age, pregnancy, diseases, smoking or drug consumption affect the results?
No. Age and drug consumption do not affect the results. A person’s DNA does not change over time.
What are the implications of knowing your DNA?
Genes are hereditary, thus knowing something about your genetics also means your close relatives have similar genes. Your family may or may not want to know this information as well, and relationships with others can be affected by learning about your DNA.
Do I need a Genetic Counsellor?
The genetic testing you will undergo is not diagnostic nor deterministic of a possible risk outcome. The genetic risks for the conditions tested for are influenced by multiple factors, most of them being modifiable and thus preventative of the mentioned risk associations.
For the majority of clients there is no requirement to receive genetic counselling. However, should you feel the need, ask your doctor to refer you to a Genetic Counsellor.
Genetic counselling services are available at:
Cape Town
UCT Division of Human Genetics Tel: 021 406 6304
Johannesburg
Wits Division of Human Genetics Tel: 011 489 9223/4
http://www.geneticcounselling.co.za
Pretoria
Femina Hospital Tel: 021 328 2676
Bloemfontein
UFS Division of Human Genetics Tel: 051 405 3047
Durban
Genetic Clinic Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital Tel: 031 240 1000
A list of registered Genetic Counsellors can be found on www.hpcsa.co.za.
Choose For The Public – Find a Practitioner – Medical – Genetic Counsellor Register.
Does the test price include a feedback session ?
The costs of feedback sessions are excluded from the DNA test price. The fees for the feedback session are subject to your referring practitioner.
If you do not have a specific referring practitioner, you can book a feedback consultation with an accredited Geneway practitioner here Book Online Feedback Session.
Why do you use corn starch in your supplements?
Starch is primary used as binder and filler in pharmaceutical formulations. Its role is to help keep the active drug components together in products where more than one active ingredient is included. Starch is also included to improve powder flow to ensure capsules are filled according to standards. It is also used as filler to add volume to the products making very small active ingredient components/single ingredient formulations such as the Magnesium easy for the consumer to take and simpler for correct dosing.
Safety profile: Starch, derived from various natural resources such as potato, rice, grain, corn and peas are typical odourless, tasteless and white to off-white cream of colour.
Starch is an edible food substance, considered an ingredient and not an additive. It is regarded as an essentially nontoxic non-irritant material,
starch is therefore widely used as an excipient in pharmaceutical formulations. Starch has been evaluated as safe by numerous health regulatory bodies worldwide.
We strive to buy high quality raw materials to ensure we comply to GMP and to that our products are safe and of high quality.
The amount of starch typically included in pharmaceutical formulations are still well in range within the daily maximum dose.
Allergic reactions to starch are extremely rare and some individuals allergic to one particular starch may
not experience adverse effects with a starch from a different botanical source. The wheat proteins (gluten) are problematic for conditions such as celiac disease.
Starch is typically used in the food industry as thickening and stabilizing agent in foods such as ice creams, soups, sauces, gravies and salad dressings.
They function typically as thickeners, extenders, and emulsion stabilizers.
