FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WILL YOU PROTECT MY DNA RESULTS FROM BEING DISCLOSED TO OTHER PEOPLE?

Yes, your results are totally confidential. Only you will ever receive your DNA test results. We will not give those results to any other person or company. This includes insurance companies, employers and the government. You control who gets to see your results.

HOW CAN I USE THE RESULTS?

Think of MyGene as “Myers-Briggs” with Genes. Learning about the 50 traits we selected gives people the chance to make practical lifestyle adjustments to enhance the strengths and offset or negate the weaknesses. Knowing you have a biological tendency for something means you can identify how that tendency is influencing your daily life, and change things if you wish.

IF MY DNA RESULTS ARE NEGATIVE FOR A CERTAIN DESIRABLE TRAIT, DOES THIS MEAN THAT I CAN NEVER DEVELOP THAT TRAIT?

No, not having DNA for any trait doesn’t mean that you cannot become, develop, or become good. What your DNA may be telling you is that it may take more time and work to achieve your goal.

MY DNA WAS POSITIVE FOR A TRAIT, BUT I DON’T SEEM TO SHOW IT OR BE GOOD AT IT. DOES THIS MEAN IT IS A MISTAKE?

No! Having DNA for something doesn’t automatically mean that you will show it or be good at it. Most people have to work to develop their talent. Your DNA is only part of the equation. The other part is your environment. However, you are more likely than others that are negative to achieve the characteristics of that trait.

WHY DO YOU ONLY TEST 50 TRAITS?

We selected a cross-section of life experiences and non-disease traits that people can find useful in interpreting and understanding their life. It represents a starting point for each of us to better understand who we are, and to take greater control over our life.

MY CHILD DOESN’T HAVE THE DNA THAT DANCERS HAVE. SHOULD WE DISCOURAGE HER FROM DANCING?

Do not discourage her because of her DNA! Not having the gene may simply mean she has to work a little bit harder than someone who is “gifted.” There are many examples of athletes who become quite good by working hard and building on their strengths. There are many different kinds of dance, and dancers. This means there are many opportunities for each person to enjoy dance and to excel. If she enjoys it, then keep going. Encouragement is important.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF TESTING MY DNA IF I CAN’T CHANGE MY DNA?

Your DNA is the blueprint that you start life with. However, your environment shapes how that blueprint is translated into who you are. It’s the same as when 100 houses are built with the same blueprint. After a few years, each house has its unique identity because of how the people live in it and what they do to it after they move in. It is the same with your body and mind: it is what you do with it after you are born that is important. Another words, a DNA profile ‘tells’ us where we need to concentrate on so we can achieve our life goals. 

DO I HAVE TO GO TO A DOCTOR TO GET MY TEST?

No doctors are necessary. You use a simple swab that looks like a Popsicle stick. It collects your DNA. You can do this in your own living room.

IS THE TEST PAINFUL?

Collecting the cheek cells is the same as brushing your teeth. It takes only a few strokes with the collector to capture the DNA we need to run your test.

WHAT WILL I RECEIVE AFTER MY TEST IS DONE?

You will receive a report that describes your DNA results. The report will explain the underlying science behind the results as well. In addition, you will have access to professionally trained coaches who can help you interpret and use your results. Our coaches provide this form of support at no additional cost to you.

HOW CAN I USE THE DNA RESULTS?

You can begin to make informed, smarter choices to enhance your life. For instance, the results can help you identify foods that are better for you. They may help you understand how to change your workout plan to get the best results. You can target your strengths as something to value, and your weaknesses as something to work on and overcome.

SUPPOSE SCIENTISTS DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW ABOUT MY TRAITS; THEN WHAT?

We will keep you informed about new discoveries that relate to the traits we tested. The science is evolving, and new results appear all the time.

WHAT DO I SAY TO MY INSURANCE COMPANY IF THEY ASK ABOUT GENETIC TESTING?

You can tell your insurance company that you had a DNA test for non-disease traits. This is the same answer you would give if your DNA was tested for your ancestry.

SOME SCIENTISTS ARE SAYING THAT GENETICS IS TOO COMPLICATED OR AMBIGUOUS TO UNDERSTAND MY LIFESTYLE. HOW RELIABLE ARE YOUR RESULTS?

The DaVinci profile can give each person a good idea about who they are and what tendencies are reflected in their DNA. While it is true that our genome works in a complex and integrated way, scientists throughout the world continue to uncover how our DNA influences our normal, everyday life processes. They do this so they can then figure out how disease is caused, because disease is a deviation from what’s normal. We carefully review each scientific study to determine whether the researchers use appropriate laboratory and statistical methods. We only use those studies whose results appear valid.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF SCIENTISTS IN THE FUTURE DISCOVER THAT ONE OF MY GENES IS INVOLVED WITH A DISEASE?

Our genes work as an integrated system that keeps us alive and functioning everyday. When genes are involved in diseases, most of the time it is when the system begins to erode and become erratic. Therefore, as scientists, we anticipate that almost every gene in our body will be implicated in some disease process for some people. This does not mean that you will get the disease.  For anyone, disease prevention practices are the same for all. However, if for instance, the profile indicates something that could make you happier and healthier, by all means concentrate on this aspect of lifestyle.

Send your questions to:  FAQ@alpha-genics.com