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What does consenting to a genetic wellness test cover?

What genetic wellness tests look at and what you agree to when you consent.

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Written by Riley Burcin

Genetic wellness tests look at fixed DNA variants, so they require a specific consent for how your genetic data is collected, analyzed, and stored. Use this article to understand what you're agreeing to when you consent and how your genetic information is handled.

What a genetic wellness test looks at

Genetic wellness tests read specific genetic variants — sometimes called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) — that can influence things like how your body responds to nutrients, how you process certain foods, and fitness and metabolism traits. These are wellness tools designed to help personalize lifestyle and nutrition choices.

Important: Genetic wellness tests are not diagnostic. They do not tell you whether you have a disease or a genetic disorder, and they are not ancestry tests.

What your consent covers

When you register a genetic wellness test, you'll be asked to agree to a consent before your sample can be analyzed. In general terms, consenting means you agree to:

  1. Provide a DNA sample (typically a cheek swab or saliva)

  2. Have a CLIA-certified (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) laboratory analyze the specific genetic variants included in your test

  3. Have your genetic information handled and stored under our privacy and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) protections

Your genetic information is not sold to third parties.

How your genetic data is protected

Your genetic information is handled with the same protections as the rest of your health data — encrypted in transit and at rest, and accessible only to the people involved in delivering your testing and care.

Your DNA results don't change over time

Genetic results reflect stable information that does not change. This kind of test is typically run once.

Need more help?

If you have a question about the genetic consent or how your genetic data is handled, contact our support team through chat and we'll explain it.

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