Frequently asked questions

By analyzing different gene variations, we can identify enzymes, receptors, transporters, and hormones that function slightly differently than in the general population. However, this does not necessarily mean that these variations always cause health problems. Although different gene variations create a network of genetic biochemical weaknesses and strengths, the study of gene variations alone does not tell about the realization of genetic risks and opportunities.

Genetic polymorphisms can also help understand the causes of inherited diseases and health problems within families. By knowing your own genetic weaknesses and strengths, you can to some extent deduce the genetic characteristics inherited from your children. It is also possible to predict the probabilities of developing different health problems to some extent, especially if environmental factors are unfavorable for a particular issue. Additionally, genetic polymorphisms can explain why a supposedly necessary medical intervention does not work or why it leads to adverse effects.

Depending on your interest, tests can be done, among other things, to identify potential health risks, to understand your potential in terms of performance, to find out the diet that matches your metabolism, and generally to give recommendations for a healthy lifestyle based on your genome. 

Genetic test results should always be compared to prevailing environmental factors (such as diet, nutrient intake, indoor air quality, etc.) as well as laboratory tests that measure the current functioning of the body (such as B12 levels, insulin, PEF [peak expiratory flow] and blood pressure). Symptoms should also be taken into account. When this type of health information is analyzed together, you will get a much more comprehensive picture of the significance of the identified genetic polymorphisms to current health and well-being.

Genetic tests are therefore just one, albeit unchanging, part of a holistic health assessment. They shed light on the foundations upon which your health has been built since fertilization of the ovum, and they continue to have an impact on your health until the end of your life. The results of DNA tests can sometimes be somewhat tricky to understand, but our professionals can help you with any questions. However, one of the cornerstones of Nordic Genex is to provide customers with reports that are easy to understand and offer practical advice.

Benefits:
DNA tests can be useful to you whether the results are positive or not. For some people, the test results are a good tool for better sports performance. For others, information obtained from tests may provide relief when some health risk exposures can be mapped. Testing can also motivate lifestyle changes or support a good quality of life. Of course, testing can also make it easier for doctors to make health supporting decisions. For example, based on the results, the frequency of monitoring can be decided if the patient is susceptible to some hereditary diseases. Information on susceptibility can also be utilized when designing health-related guidelines for weight management and exercise.

Disadvantages:
Generally speaking, genetic testing has a very small risk of negatively affecting physical health. However, for some people, testing and reviewing results may be more challenging mentally.

It should be noted that DNA testing cannot tell you about all the diseases or risks that you have inherited. For example, an unfavorable gene variation does not necessarily mean that you will develop related health issues. Genetic variation indicates an elevated hereditary risk that can be affected by food and lifestyle.

A genetic test can never determine whether there is a deficiency in a specific nutrient. The genetic test can indicate a potential increased risk for deficiencies, but it does not confirm the occurrence of actual deficiencies. To assess the current state of health, additional clinical laboratory tests or therapeutic trials are always necessary alongside the genetic test.

The term “wild type” refers to the most common “natural” gene variation found in a population. The “wild type” does not affect the interpretation of a genetic test result; it simply provides a rough indication of the genotype that is most commonly found among the tested individuals. However, it’s important to note that the mention of “wild type” in a database may not always be accurate, as the “wild type” can vary depending on the population or subgroup being studied. For example, professional athletes may have a different “wild type” for certain genes compared to the general population.

As with most genetic polymorphisms, the genotype of the “wild type” cannot be classified as either good or bad. Genetic polymorphisms typically offer biochemical advantages in some traits, but at the same time, they may compromise other traits.

This explains why “undesirable” gene variations have not disappeared through evolution in modern society. Under favorable environmental conditions, even a “poor” genetic variation can provide a survival advantage. Therefore, the “goodness” or “badness” of a gene variation is not absolute or universally applicable at all times; it must be compared to the environmental factors affecting the individual at that moment.

This can also be reversed: by knowing our own gene variations and possible polymorphisms, we can strive to choose the most favorable environmental factors for the individual, which offer the greatest health benefits with minimal drawbacks. This is the fundamental goal of measuring gene variations, although its practical implementation is often not straightforward.

You can take the test for the child. In case of the young child, it can be challenging to secrete saliva into the tube. For children under 6 years of age, we recommend taking the sample as a mucous membrane sample, i.e. with a cotton swab. If ordering the test from a retailer, please mention this to them so we can send the correct sampling device. If you order through the online store, send us a message via the contact form or by e-mail that you want a mucosal sampling device in connection with the order in question.

You’ll get results approximately within 4 weeks after we have received the sample. Samples are analyzed in reliable international laboratories specialized in DNA sequencing.

After your test results and report are completed, you will receive an email with a link to the server where you can download your report. To download your report, you need a password that will be sent to your phone via SMS. Your report is on our server in pdf format. Be sure to allow pop-ups in your computer for this feature. If you are not sure whether the function is allowed, enter the word Pop-ups in the search function of your computer, and you will be able to see the settings.

Taking a test sample is really easy. We will send the sampling tool set to the address you provide with clear instructions on how to take the sample. A test sample is taken from saliva. If taking a saliva sample is difficult, e.g. from children or in some other special cases, please let us know when ordering so that we can send the right type of sampling device.

To return the sample, you use the same box in which you received the sampling equipment. When returning the sample, the box must contain a signed form, carefully filled out and signed. Place the lid with the return address on top of the box. Close the box carefully with a tape. Remember to save the reference number associated with your sample. One easy way is to take a picture of the completed form with your phone.

Serial number: The serial number is located on the saliva and mucus sample tubes. If the sampling tool is cotton swabs in a paper envelope, the serial number can be found on the label on the paper envelope.

Reference number: The reference number sticker is located on the lid of the box of the saliva sampling device. In mucosa samples, the reference number is glued to the tube. 

Nordic Genex will only provide test results to the people who have provided their contact information for this purpose. The test report does not show the full name, address, or other personal information of the tested person. Test results will not be given to third parties except in the case that an official governmental authority would require it by law. The sample report number and related personal information is stored only in the Nordic Genex database and there is no possibility for external access. Test results could be used anonymously for scientific and statistical research. The raw data collected is stored anonymously and is the property of Nordic Genex. Upon request, we can remove all your data from our data base.

Interpretations of our tests are offered by e.g. doctors and nutritional therapists. You can find more information about the services offered by our representatives by sending a e-mail to info@nordicgenex.com. The doctors in our network naturally also offer medical services.