Frequently Asked Questions

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Nutrigenomic testing gives us an understanding of how our life choices interact with what makes us tick, so we can make positive changes that align with our genetics and optimise our health and wellbeing. Looking at your genetic differences unlocks a personal health blueprint, offering a detailed insight into your unique biological strengths and weaknesses and a deeper understanding of your health. Of course, the environment plays a big part too. What we do and what we are exposed to interacts with our body’s ability dynamically.

I place the order on your behalf. One LifecodeGX DNA test is required for each new order, and can be used for as many reports as you are ordering. 

The DNA test is a simple, non-invasive mouth swab that is easy to do at home.

Just remember to abstain from eating/drinking for at least 1 hour before testing, to ensure the sample is not contaminated with food.

1. Remove the swab from the package at one end, taking care not to touch the white swab head with your fingers.

2. Insert the swab into your mouth and rub firmly against the inside of your cheek or underneath lower and upper lip. Rub for 1 minute, using reasonable, firm and solid pressure to ensure you get a good sample.

3. Place the swab in the tube provided. Do not touch the swab head with your fingers.

4. Snap the swab handle so it can fit in the tube. Place your thumbnail in the small groove set in the handle, then snap the handle in two by bending to one side. Let the swab head fall into the tube. If necessary snip the handle with scissors.

5. Find the stabilising capsule, remove from its pouch, and place the it in the tube with the swab. This keeps the sample stable during transport. The capsule will be in a small silver pouch and it does sometimes get wedged into the bottom of the main envelope.

6. Seal the tube securely with the cap provided

7. Complete the consent form on the reverse of the included instructions. Make sure you SIGN the consent form.

8. Place the tube and consent form in the supplied envelope and post it back to us.

9. Double check - have you included the stabilising capsule and SIGNED consent form? We cannot process the sample without these.

FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR DEMONSTRATION VIDEO

Return with the signed consent form in the prepaid envelope (UK). We cannot process an order without a signed consent form. There are no special storage or transport requirements and you can return any day. For international orders, you are responsible for arranging and paying for return.

Results are ready about 2/3 weeks after sample receipt in the laboratory. 

Please check with your practitioner for updates.  We’ll email your practitioner when the report is ready, and they will be in touch to share them with you and book an appointment to go through the results.

 You can add extra reports up to 6 months from the date of the original test (when we can use the same DNA sample). After that, a new DNA test will be required.

All of the reports include:

• personalised, colour coded genotype results

• gene function and SNP impact descriptions

• clinically relevant SNPs

• nutrient and other epigenetic impacts

• links to research evidence

On receipt by Lifecode Gx samples are allocated a barcode and all other client identification is removed. The test is used only to create the reports which are only shared with the authorised practitioner and Lifecode Gx senior staff. Each test is processed in our ISO certified UK laboratory and all samples are completely destroyed after 3 months. All client genotyping data is marked for destruction at 5 months and completely destroyed by 6 months. The client report, the data and the DNA sample is never (and will never be) shared with, or sold to third parties. All of the data extraction and analysis is done in the UK. We are also really careful with your sensitive data, storing it securely, protecting it using the highest industry standards. We hold the minimum client data for the minimum amount of time.

 SNPs, or single nucleotide polymorphisms (pronounced ‘snips’), are variations in the letters of our genetic code that affect how our body and mind react to the world around us. Think of them as unique instructions written in our DNA, much like musical notes on a sheet, guiding our body's functions and behaviours.