How it works
1. Receive kit
-
You will receive a TGC kit that contains a simple oral swab.
-
Instructions provided will show you how to use the swab
-
The included return envelope enables a simple return on the swab to TGC
2. DNA Extraction
-
Your swab will be sent to a partner lab for processing
-
DNA will be extracted from the swab and over 654,027 SNPs (genetic variations) will be analysed
-
You can request this data at any time which will be provided to you electronically
3. Processing
-
Your genetic information will be uploaded to the artificial intelligence driven Insights Platform
-
Log in details will be provided to you
-
Access the Insights Platform to empower your health !
4. Consultation
-
A comprehensive diet and lifestyle questionnaire will be provided
-
A team member will undertake a detailed review and integration of your responses with your genetic profile
-
A team member will undertake a comprehensive consultation with you
DNA extraction
Your oral swab will be sent to our partner lab.
​
The DNA extraction process involves breaking open the cells to release the DNA, which is then purified to remove impurities. The lab will then test for 654,027 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).
SNPs, or single-nucleotide polymorphisms, are the most common type of genetic variation in humans. The human genome is made up of about 3.2 billion base pairs of DNA, each of which can be one of four nucleotides: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T). An SNP occurs when one of these nucleotides is different between two people.
SNPs can be found throughout the genome and can affect many different genes. Each human has about 20,000 genes, and each gene can have multiple SNPs. The lab tests for the most common SNPs that occur in over 1% of the population and have extensive research to support them.
Your genetic information will be stored securely. If desired, TGC can provide you with a copy in a .csv or .txt format.
What to expect from the Insights Platform
Once your results are ready, they will be uploaded to the Insights Platform and you will be provided with a login.
The Insights Platform downloads three medical databases each day to ensure that it is constantly updated with the most up-to-date insights.
Algorithms search through all of the databases to find all applicable research for different genes and SNPs, and overlay that with your unique genetic results.
The Insights Platform groups genes into over 20 different functional categories. For each category, the platform shows genes related to that category, broken down into specific attributes. For each attribute, the platform shows specific genes associated with it, as well as the various SNPs associated with those genes and your results. A high-level summary is provided for each section, with the ability to seamlessly click through to the underlying research.
Using an easy-to-understand traffic light color coding, the Insights Platform overlays the potential benefit for your specific genome from various lifestyle changes.
What to expect from the Consultation
Once your genetic results are ready, one of our team members will schedule a virtual consultation with you. This consultation is designed to help you understand your unique genetic profile and the evidence-based lifestyle recommendations that can help you reduce your risk of developing certain diseases, improve sleep, exercise better, and much more.
​
To get the most out of your consultation, it is recommended that you fill out the health questionnaire in as much detail as possible. This will help us to ensure the consultation is relevant and focuses on your preferred areas of interest.
​
Here are some specific things you can expect during your consultation:
-
Review your genetic results by functional categories and discuss what scientific research indicates are the implications for your health.
-
Answering your questions about your results and about genetics in general. We don't know everything and if there is a question we don't know the answer to, we will tell you, take it away and come back to you
-
Evidenced based recommendations for lifestyle changes that can help you reduce your risk of developing certain diseases, improve sleep, exercise better and much more
-
Discuss the limitations of genetic testing and the importance of following up with your doctor, as well as other resources that may be helpful to you.
We encourage you to ask as many questions as you like during your consultation. We are here to help you understand your results and make informed decisions about your health. Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of your consultation:
-
Bring a list of questions you would like to ask including your goals.
-
Be prepared to discuss your medical history and family health risks.
-
Take notes during the consultation so that you can refer to them later.
-
Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand something.
If you would like any further information please get in contact at info@thegenecompany.co.nz
​
