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Resource Center DNA Test FAQ & other Frequently Asked Questions
What Does CyGene DIRECT Offer?CyGene Direct provides genetic testing products that are of tremendous value to the general public. We believe that an informed consumer is an empowered consumer, and we strive to deliver products that offer you the best information about your genetic risk factors to help you make vital healthcare and lifestyle decisions that will affect your overall health and improve the quality of your life. We utilize safe and secure testing methods to protect your confidential information and CyGene has even patented a business model that assures your anonymity. Our patented interactive "Knowledgebase" delivers your personal DNA analysis results in a way that is easy to understand and formatted for quick reference to the most important information. The Knowledgebase generates reports based on the genetic profile purchased by you, so that you receive the information most relative to your health. The test results are geared to help and empower the consumer in making informed decisions about their heath and to assist them in making changes that will create positive outcomes. While competitors limit themselves to the mere determination of the presence (or lack) of a certain genetic mutation which has been linked to certain medical conditions, CyGene puts these genetic mutations into perspective as they relate to one's personal genetic circumstances.
What is Genetic Profiling?Genetic Profiling is the science of individualized genetic characterization by way of personal DNA analysis. Genetic Profiling examines your genes for specific sequence variations that have been clinically proven to be relevant in determining an individual's predisposition for a particular disease or disorder. Genetic Profiling has been previously used in criminal cases to identify criminals or exonerate the innocent. With CyGene Direct, Genetic Profiling is available to you, to aid in identifying your personal genetic traits and risk factors for serious medical conditions. Now Genetic Profiling and your personalized genetics report can predict your relative risk factors for diseases such as Diabetes, Glaucoma, and heart disease, as well as blood clotting disorders such as Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism. Genetic Profiling can also identify optimal nutritional needs as well as predict drug response and drug interactions, providing the tools necessary for you to take control of your health.
What is a Genetic Test?Conventionally, genetic tests have been used to screen for hereditary diseases that carry severe consequences. They are performed on the fetus, newborns or parents to determine if a family with serious genetic disorders should have children. Now CyGene Direct offers predictive genetic testing or genetic profiling panels to assess risk factors that help determine the probability that an asymptomatic (healthy) individual with or without a family history of a certain disease might develop a disease under certain conditions. All human characteristics can be found encoded in one's genes. As more genetic discoveries unfold our genetic makeup, genetic tests will become a commodity to identify any trait, condition or predisposition imaginable. Among these will be the ability to identify artistic, musical and other talent. For now we are limited to exploring the areas of current discovery, which have been primarily focused on disease.
Why is CyGene's Genetic Profiling Important to You?The Human Genome Project identified and mapped the genes that make us Homo sapiens. Encoded in those genes are the sequence variations (mutations) that make us individuals. Certain mutations have been linked to certain healthcare concerns or serious disease, such as osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes or blindness. Knowing which sequence variations are present in your personal DNA is key to knowing which of these diseases you may have a genetic predisposition for. Having access to this information is critical in making informed lifestyle decisions that can help mitigate your risk of developing the disease. The more you know and the earlier you know about your personal genetic risk factors, the better prepared you will be to develop health-enhancing strategies with healthcare professionals. You can also make important lifestyle changes, modify your diet, get more exercise and perhaps limit environmental exposures that can increase your risk. These steps will improve your health and enhance the quality of your life.
Who Should Take a CyGene DIRECT Test?Genetic variations linked to predisposition to disease can be found in anyone at any age. Many illnesses manifest in later life, yet are entirely preventable. The sooner you know your genetic predispositions, the sooner you can take control of your health and your life.
How Do I Take the CyGene DIRECT Test?
The instructions in your specimen collection kit and DNA Saver are simple and easy to follow. Once you return your DNA sample to CyGene's laboratory in the pre-addressed, postage paid envelope, simply log in to our online results center and retrieve your results. Utilizing a patented security system that does not collect your personal identifying information but rather tracks your results with a individual bar code, your results are safe and secure. In fact, even CyGene cannot access your results using your name - only the bar code and password provided with your collection kit!.
How Do I Receive My Results?Logon to the internet and go to our results home page at: CyGeneDirect.com and logon using your Username (barcode number) and Password. You may be prompted to provide us with certain unidentifiable personal information, such as age or ethnic background. This information is not required to get the results on your genetic profile, but remember that if we have accurate personal information, you will be receiving a more personalized comprehensive assessment with corresponding interpretations, recommendations and follow-up.
Why a Genetic Profile?Looking at a single gene variation is not as reliable in predicting a predisposition for disease as combining gene variations into profile panels that are applicable to larger segments of the population. While only a small percentage of the population may be affected by a single gene mutation that leads to a particular medical concern, by combining multiple gene variations into a single test the results become more relevant to a greater segment of the population. The results become more relevant to you! CyGene has developed genetic profiling "panels" that analyze various mutations, rather than just one gene in order to make the results applicable to a diverse population. This genetic profiling enhances the relevance of the test and ensures results that can have a real impact on your future health.
How does a genetic profile apply to me?In a panel, various mutations which have been associated with the same or similar disorder or trait are grouped together. Generally, a mutation that is found to be a predisposing factor only affects a certain population segment. For CyGene to include such a mutation in a panel, it needs to apply to at least 2% of the general population. Some mutations can be found in up to 50% of the general population. The ones that have a strong influence on a particular disorder apply to less than 10% of people. Thus a panel that incorporates 4-5 mutations that individually apply to only 2-5% of the population then becomes relevant in 10-50% of the population. The product then has value and relevance to the general public and may be relevant to you. CyGene's DNA Analysis kits are tools that allow anyone to understand and take the necessary steps towards a healthy future by targeting health issues that can be addressed by first knowing and then acting on your genetic predispositions.
How does CyGene Pick What Genes to Test?CyGene tests the genes that are most relevant to your health. To be included in a CyGene Direct genetic testing panel, the relevance of the gene mutation must have been validated in at least three independent studies and supported by publications in peer-reviewed journals. Just because a discovery has been published is not good enough for CyGene. CyGene very critically reviews all relevant studies before incorporating the genes in their test panels because this information is the basis of our report recommendations. We strive to provide the most accurate product to our customers. We refrain from making our own assumptions and rely exclusively on scientific discovery to support our products. We will never make unsubstantiated, exaggerated or false claims regarding our testing products. CyGene's genetic profiles are designed to screen, assess risk or identify individual characteristics as opposed to detecting disease. CyGene has a strict policy of developing profiling panels only for applications where the results can be used by the consumer to take positive actions, such as making adaptations to their lifestyle, activities and nutrition in order to improve their overall health. The company does not test for any mutations that have implications for conditions where the consumer can take no positive action.
How Does CyGene Ensure Patient Anonymity?CyGene is dedicated to customer privacy and protecting the confidentiality of all customer information. Based on our patented methods, CyGene is not able to pair your name, address or other identifiable information with the DNA submitted for testing. CyGene provides you with a username (barcode number) on your specimen card and an 8-character password. No records are kept that track barcode numbers as they are mailed to consumers. No one, other than you can identify the DNA card as yours. This unique method also allows you to purchase new tests or product upgrades from CyGene without submitting a new DNA sample or compromising the link between your identity and your DNA. You may choose to share your genetic profiling results with your doctor or healthcare provider. At that time, your information may become part of your permanent medical record and falls under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Once your genetic information becomes part of your permanent medical record, insurance carriers and others may have access to your genetic information. The HIPPA provisions protect your personal health information and should be discussed in detail with your provider.
What Do I Do After I Get My Test Results?Your personalized genetics report will provide you with information about which genetic mutations were identified in your DNA analysis and what those mutations may mean for your future health. The report will indicate your genetic risk level and will even share factors that could influence your potential condition. What you do with this information if up to you. You can work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan, or consult a genetic counselor or other trained professional to develop tools to monitor your ongoing care. These professionals can also help you determine if the environmental changes you are making in nutrition, hormones, diet, exercise and other components are best for reducing your overall genetic risks.
Is Working With a Genetic Counselor Right For Me?Genetic counseling can help individuals and families cope with the emotional, psychological, medical, social and economic consequences of serious genetic diseases. Genetic counselors are trained to work with the psychological impact of testing, reproductive implications and to interpret results based on family history. They typically work as part of a team that includes several other specialists and may include your primary care physician. Based on CyGene's current product line of genetic profiles, genetic counseling may not be indicated. As an example, you may find all the information you need regarding your increased risk for thrombosis from the resources provided on your report or from your physician. The Internet has also become an excellent source of healthcare related information for the areas covered by CyGene's genetic profiles.
Where Can I find a Genetic Counselor?Finding a genetic counselor is easy. Ask your primary healthcare provider or visit the website of the National Society of Genetic Counselors at: www.NSGC.org
Where Can I learn More?There are a variety of online resources to help you learn more about genetic testing, the benefits of genetic profiling, the Human Genome Project and future applications for the personalized genetics reports available from CyGene Direct
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CyGene Laboratories Receives CLIA Laboratory Registration. The State of Florida Agency for Health Care Administration has provided CyGene with a certificate that will allow its lab to perform clinical diagnostic testing. Learn More
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About This Page: Find the answers to your dna test faq, genetic testing faq & any other dna analysis faq. You may have.
