FAQs

The sample can be collected by you in the comfort of your own home, or at the Practitioner’s consulting rooms.  Remember not to eat or drink anything 30min – 2 hours prior to taking the sample.

Yes. The DNA sample collection kit comes complete with step-by-step instructions for quick and easy cheek cell collection using the swab provided. Sample collection takes only a few minutes and is completely safe and painless.

Completely. GENEWAY™ ensures complete discretion and client confidentiality. Results will only be released to the persons specified (eg you and your health care professional). All client files are password protected.

A swab looks like a long cotton wool bud. It is used to collect cheek cells from the inside of the mouth. DNA is consistent throughout the body, so the DNA in cheek cells is identical to the DNA in blood cells. The swab allows for non-invasive and painless collection of DNA.

All data will be treated with strict confidence and will not be passed on to third parties.

The frequency of a given allele for each of the loci we test generally changes depending on ethnicity. Genetic differences between people of Caucasian, African or Asian backgrounds means that some recommendations might be slightly different for each ethnic groups as reported in research articles.

No, there is no minimum age. Collection of DNA samples is safe for all ages and painless.

It is a legal requirement that each person providing a sample for a DNA test must give their consent for the DNA test to be carried out. In the case of minors, individuals suffering from a mental disorder or those who are not in a position to give their own consent, a legal guardian or a person having parental responsibility for the individual must consent. Under the Human Tissue Act it is a criminal offence to take a sample from someone to test their DNA without their consent, except for medical purposes and lawful investigative purposes, for example a criminal investigation.

In most cases, the results of a test take between 1 – 3 weeks.

Your privacy and security are important to us. Entry into our DNA testing facility is by restricted access only. All samples are bar-coded and all computer systems are secured. Results and case information are shared only with authorized individuals. All samples are retained for a period of time, as required by law, but are destroyed after the requisite storage periods.

No. Age and drug consumption do not affect the results. A person’s DNA does not change over time.

Genes are hereditary, thus knowing something about your genetics also means your close relatives have similar genes. Your family may or may not want to know this information as well, and relationships with others can be affected by learning about your DNA.

The genetic testing you will undergo is not diagnostic nor deterministic of a possible risk outcome. The genetic risks for the conditions tested for are influenced by multiple factors, most of them being modifiable and thus preventative of the mentioned risk associations.

For the majority of clients, there is no requirement to receive genetic counseling. However, should you feel the need, ask your doctor to refer you to a Genetic Counsellor.