Your Genetic Test Journey
If you've found your way to this article, there's a good chance you're considering purchasing one of our at-home genetic tests, which we've launched in partnership with Lifecode Gx. Ordering a genetic test can feel like a big decision, and it’s natural to wonder what exactly it entails, before you go and hit purchase. How does a simple cheek swab turn into a detailed, personalised report?
Lifecode Gx, who we've partnered with to bring you these tests, are a UK-based laboratory who are the gold standard in genetic testing. Together, we ensure the journey from ordering your kit to understanding your results is straightforward and secure. Let’s walk through it, step by step.
If you want to understand more about the science behind these genetic tests, our articles on nutrigenomics, SNPs, how your genes influence histamine processing and why blood tests can't detect histamine intolerance are great places to start.
Step 1: Your At-Home Kit Arrives
A few days after you place your order, a small testing kit will arrive at your door. There’s no need for a clinic visit or any special appointments. Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to collect your sample from the comfort of your own home:
- A sterile cheek swab (it looks a bit like a long cotton bud)
- A small collection tube to place the swab into after use
- Clear, step-by-step instructions
- A pre-paid envelope for returning your sample to the lab
The whole kit is designed to be as simple and user-friendly as possible.
Step 2: Collecting Your Sample
Collecting your DNA sample is non-invasive; it doesn’t involve any needles or blood. You simply use the swab provided to rub the inside of your cheek for about a minute. This action gathers thousands of cheek cells, which contain a complete copy of your DNA.
The only thing that we require of you at this stage, is that you don't eat, drink, chew gum or smoke (including vapes and nicotine pouches) for at least an hour prior to taking the swab. This helps to ensure the sample is clean and contains only your cells. Once you’ve swabbed your cheek, you place the swab head into the collection tube, seal it, and it’s ready to go.
What is DNA?
You can think of your DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) as your body’s unique instruction manual. It’s a long, complex code that contains the genetic information for building and maintaining you. This code is found in almost every cell in your body, including the ones on the inside of your cheek.
Step 3: Sending Your Sample to the Laboratory
With your sample collected, you simply place the sealed tube into the provided return envelope and post it. Your sample is then sent directly and securely to our partner laboratory, Lifecode Gx, for analysis.
We understand that your genetic information is deeply personal. Your privacy is paramount. Once your sample arrives at the lab, it is handled according to strict data protection and confidentiality protocols. UK GDPR provides a high level of protection for special-category data like genetic information, and you can be assured your data is treated with the utmost care. Lifecode Gx can't process anything unless you've signed the consent form that comes with your test, so ensure that is signed when you return your swab!
Step 4: In the Lab: From Cells to Data
This is where the science happens. At the lab, trained technicians first extract the DNA from your cheek cells. They then use a sophisticated process called genotyping to analyse it.
Our tests don’t sequence your entire genome. Instead, they focus on specific, well-researched points in your DNA that are relevant to nutrition and health. These points are known as SNPs.
What is a SNP?
A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, or SNP (pronounced ‘snip’), is a tiny variation in your DNA sequence. If you imagine your DNA code as a very long book, a SNP is like a single-letter difference in the text. For example, where most people might have the letter 'A' at a certain position, you might have a 'G'.
These small variations are incredibly common and are part of what makes each of us unique. They can influence everything from your eye colour to how your body processes certain nutrients or compounds, like histamine. By looking at a panel of relevant SNPs, we can build a picture of your genetic predispositions in a specific area of health.
Step 5: Receiving and Exploring Your Personalised Report
Once the laboratory analysis is complete, your results are compiled into a comprehensive, personalised report. You'll receive an email inviting you to book you 30-minute walkthrough call with a practitioner, after which they will email your your report.
The report translates the complex genetic data into a more accessible format. It will show you your genotype for each SNP that was analysed. Your genotype is the specific combination of genetic variants you inherited from your parents for a particular gene. The report will then explain what each of your results may mean in the context of the available scientific research.
Remember, this report is a tool for insight, not a diagnosis. It’s designed to empower you with information, helping you to connect the dots and understand your body’s unique tendencies.
The Final Step: Putting Your Knowledge into Action
Your genetic report is not the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of a more informed one. It’s crucial to remember that your genes are not your destiny. They are just one piece of your health puzzle.
Your lifestyle, diet, environment, and other factors all play a significant role in how your genes are expressed. A genetic tendency is not a guarantee of a particular outcome. For example, a person with no genetic variants associated with DAO deficiency could still experience low DAO activity for other reasons. Conversely, someone with genetic variants can support their body through diet and lifestyle.
We strongly recommend that you discuss your report with a qualified professional, such as a registered dietitian or nutritional therapist with training in genetics. They can help you interpret your results in the context of your personal health history, symptoms, and goals. They can help you create a safe and effective plan that is truly personalised to you. A genetic test is a valuable source of information that complements, but never replaces, professional medical advice.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your health.