Frequently Asked Questions
What is a genetic result?
A genetic result describes a genetic finding identified in your DNA. Depending on the test and the finding, it may provide information about a health predisposition, a biological process or how your body responds to nutrients, medicines or other factors.
How long does it take before the results are available?
In most cases, the results of a test take between 2 – 4 weeks.
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.
How is my personal information and genetic data protected?
Your privacy and confidentiality are important to us. Your genetic information and test results are treated as confidential and only shared with authorised individuals, such as you and your healthcare professional.
Samples are coded to help protect your identity, access to our DNA testing facility is restricted, and client information is protected by appropriate security measures.
DNA samples are retained for the required period and securely destroyed once the applicable retention period has ended.
We handle your personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection requirements. Please click here to view our Privacy Statement.
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 outlying 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.
Are courier costs included?
Courier costs are included for your Geneway and Optiway Tests within the South African borders.
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.
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.
What type of sample is needed for a DNA test?
For most GENEWAY DNA tests, a simple cheek (buccal) swab is all that is needed. It is quick, non-invasive and can be collected easily. For certain tests or where a higher-quality DNA sample is required, a blood sample may be recommended instead.
Where are samples collected?
Depending on the test, your DNA sample may be collected using a cheek (buccal) swab or a blood sample. A cheek swab can usually be collected in the comfort of your own home or at your healthcare professional’s consulting rooms. Where a blood sample is required, it will need to be collected by an appropriate healthcare professional.
For cheek swabs, follow the instructions provided with your test. Before collecting a cheek swab, do not eat or drink, smoke or chew gum for 2 hours- 30 minutes beforehand.
Does my DNA change?
No. Your DNA sequence is stable throughout your life. This means a genetic test is a once-off test, and the information can remain useful as your health, lifestyle and treatment needs change.
Does having a genetic predisposition mean I will develop the condition?
No. A genetic predisposition does not mean that a condition is inevitable. Genes are one part of the picture, and lifestyle, environment and other factors can also influence health outcomes.
What should I do if my report identifies an area of concern?
Your report is designed to help you understand where your genetic profile may warrant additional attention. Depending on the finding, this may include nutrition or lifestyle changes, relevant blood tests or a discussion with your healthcare professional. Do not make major changes to medication or treatment based on a genetic report without professional advice.
What are the implications of knowing your DNA?
Genetic information can provide valuable insights into your health, ancestry and other aspects of your biology. Because genetic information is inherited and shared to some extent with biological relatives, your results may also have relevance to family members.
You may therefore wish to consider who you would like to share your results with, particularly where findings could be relevant to your family.
Can I speak to someone about my results?
Yes. You can book a genetic feedback session to help you understand your report and what your results may mean for your next steps.
A Geneway practitioner can help put your results into context with your health, lifestyle, medicines and other relevant information. You can arrange a session through the healthcare professional who recommended your test or book one through the Geneway website.
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
Other
https://www.drgoliathgenetics.com/
https://www.gcnet.co.za/
What can you test for?
- Cholesterol- and lipid metabolism
- Dementia
- Detoxification
- Dietary carbohydrate sensitivity
- Dietary fat sensitivity
- Exercise responsiveness
- Heart disease
- Homocysteine metabolism
- Hypertension
- Inflammation
- Insulin sensitivity and risk for diabetes
- Iron metabolism
- Medication
- Cancer risk
- Oxidative stress
- Overweight and obesity risk
- Circadian rhythms (sleep disorders)
- Vitamin B metabolism
- Athletic potential
- Injury risk and rate of recovery
- Anti-ageing and derma genetics
What on earth is SNP genotyping?
SNP genotyping is the technology we use to gain understanding of person’s genetic makeup. SNP stands for single nucleotide polymorphisms. These are the DNA sequence variations that make you different from everyone else you know. Once you have a breakdown of your SNPs, a trained technician can interpret the data to tell you which diseases you are likely to get, and how you can change your lifestyle to prevent it.
How is my DNA collected?
With the use of a painless cheek swab, also known as a buccal swab. It can also be done using whole blood, but the swab is sufficient to supply us with DNA cells and can easily be done in the comfort of your own home.
Why are we only hearing about this now?
The technology took some time to develop to the point where it could be made available to the public. The United States government, for one, invested millions of dollars into the Precision Medicine Initiative Cohort Program with the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These groups studied the link between genes, environment and lifestyle. Their research now underpins the lifestyle management plans we prepare for our clients..
What can I expect once you’ve analysed my DNA?
A comprehensive health and wellness report, tailored to your genetic needs, enabling you to manage and develop your lifestyle that will be effective in reducing your health risks.