Create And Manage an
Account
How do I sign up for a free
account?
Can I access my Inherent
Health account from any computer?
What if I forget my account username or
password?
How do I change my account password and
user information?
I already have a test kit, how do I link
it to an account?
How do I terminate my account?
How do I change my computer settings to
protect the data in my account?
What happens if I lose my test
results?
Purchasing a Genetic
Test
Who can purchase a genetic
test?
Can I buy a genetic test for someone
else?
What are my payment options?
Can I cancel my order?
Can I be forced to take a genetic
test?
Is there a time limit on when I can use
the test kit?
Will my insurance cover the cost of a
genetic test?
Why can't I place an order if I live in
New York State?
Processing a Genetic
Test
Where do I ship my test kit?
How long will it take to process my
sample?
Where will my DNA sample be analyzed?
What will happen to my sample after it has been
analyzed?
Will I have access to my raw data?
What happens if I forget to include my Consent
Form?
What happens if the sample is lost or damaged in
transit?
Using the Test Kit
Shouldn't this kind of test be performed by a
doctor?
Why do I need to sign a Consent Form?
I can't find my Consent Form. Can I just write
something that says I consent to my DNA being analyzed?
I dropped the test swabs. Can I still use
them?
I dropped one of the DNA swabs. Is one
enough?
What if I forget to rinse my mouth before taking
the DNA sample?
Can I have multiple tests performed from the same
samples?
Interpreting the Results
How is my data analyzed?
What benefit is there in knowing if I am at
risk?
Can Inherent Health help me interpret my
results?
Why would I consult a genetic counselor?
Can Inherent Health diagnose me with a disease
based on my genetic data?
My report indicates that I am at risk for a
disease. Should I go see my doctor?
If one or more parents are at risk does that mean
their children are also at risk?
My family has a history of disease, but this test
shows I am not at risk. How can that be?
Can this be used to determine paternity?
How long will results be available to me?
Public Health Awareness
Should this test be recommended by a
doctor?
Why hasn't my doctor ordered this type of test
when I get my physical?
Has the FDA approved these tests?
Protecting our Customers'
Privacy
How is my personal information
protected?
Who can view and use my account
information?
Who owns the genetic data?
What happens to my DNA?
Where will my data be stored?
Is my DNA used in any kind of research?
Can Inherent Health link my name to any of my
personal information?
Can my insurance company or employer request or
independently obtain a copy of my results?
Creating and Managing an Account
How do I sign up for a free
account?
On the main Inherent Health Web page click on "New User?
Create an Account" link or "Create Account" link on the top,
right-hand side of the page and follow the instructions. You will
need a valid email address in order to complete your
registration.
Can I access my Inherent
Health account from any computer?
Yes. You can access your account from any computer as long as it
has an internet connection. If you are accessing your account from
a public computer, make sure you log out after you have finished.
When a user is logged into their account, it will automatically log
out after 30 minutes of inactivity.
What if I forget my account
username or password?
Click on the "Forgot your username or password?" link on
the main sign-in Web page and follow the instructions that are
provided. Alternatively, you may contact Inherent Health customer
service and our representatives will assist you in retrieving your
account information.
How do I change my account
password and user information?
Once you have logged into your account and have access to
the user home page, click on the User Profile link, which allows
you to edit your password and user information.
I already have a test kit,
how do I link it to an account?
Once you receive your test kit in the mail, locate
the barcode inside the kit. Log in to your existing account,
or create a new account to access your user home page, which
provides a link to test registration. On the test registration page
input the Unique ID, read and accept the terms of the waiver, fill
out the form that appears on the page, and submit the form.
How do I terminate my
account?
Please contact Inherent Health customer service in order to
terminate your account.
How do I change my computer
settings to protect the data in my account?
The Inherent Health Website uses small text files, called
cookies, to increase the security of your personal information and
make it easier for you to navigate the Website. To remove cookies
that are stored on your computer, follow the instructions in the
help menu of your Web browser.
For additional information on increasing security on your
computer, please contact your internet service provider.
What happens if I lose my
test results?
If you lose your test results, you can obtain them through your
online account or contact Inherent Health to request that a second
report be mailed to you.
Purchasing a Genetic Test
Who can purchase a genetic
test?
The Inherent Health Genetic Tests can be purchased online
by anyone over the age of 18 from anywhere within the US. At the
current time, these tests are not available in any other
country.
Can I buy a genetic test
for someone else?
Yes, you can purchase genetics tests for someone else. However,
the purchaser's account and the user's account will be separate.
The purchaser will log into or make their own account to purchase
the test, while the user of the test will log into or make their
own account and link the test to that account.
What are my payment
options?
Online payment can be made via credit card through our
secure Website or by phone at 1-866-990-GENE (4363).
Can I cancel my
order?
You are entitled to a 100% refund guarantee. If
after ordering a genetic test or receiving a kit, you change your
mind, then simply call or email our customer service department to
request a cancellation and return your test kit to us unopened.
Can I be forced to take a
genetic test?
No, you cannot be forced to take a genetic test.
Is there a time limit on
when I can use the test kit?
There is no time limit on the use of unopened kits. Once the
sample has been taken and dried, it should be sent immediately.
Contact Inherent Health if your sample is not returned within 24
hours or is left in unfavorable conditions to determine if you need
a new kit.
Will my insurance cover the
cost of a genetic test?
No. In general, HMOs and health insurers are quite
conservative in deciding whether or not to use new tests. As this
is not a disease diagnostic test, it is unlikely to win coverage in
the near future.
Why can't I place an order
if I live in New York State?
Our laboratory is fully licensed, but we have not yet obtained the
additional licensing required by the state of New York to perform
testing for residents of the state of New York.
Processing a Genetic Test
Where do I ship my test
kit?
Your test kit will be mailed to the Inherent Health
Laboratory located in Waltham, Massachusetts. There is a prepaid,
addressed United States Postal Service (USPS) envelope in the test
kit.
How long will it take to
process my sample?
It will take up to two weeks before your DNA sample is
processed and your test results are made available online. If you
have requested your results to be posted to you, there may be an
additional delay of three to five days.
Where will my DNA sample be
analyzed?
Your DNA sample will be analyzed at Inherent Health
Laboratory located in Waltham, Massachusetts.
What will happen to my
sample after it has been analyzed?
The DNA is destroyed within seven days of a test report
being issued.
Will I have access to my
raw data?
Users will only have access to the test reports they requested and
not the raw data.
What happens if I forget to
include my Consent Form?
You may send the Consent Form after you have mailed the
DNA sample. However, samples received without a Consent Form will
be stored at the lab for two weeks. After that period, a new sample
will be required. If this happens, please contact Inherent Health
to request a new kit.
What happens if the sample
is lost or damaged in transit?
Your sample will be mailed to the laboratory via USPS and will not
have a tracking number or be insured. If you provide Inherent
Health with an email address, we will send you a message when your
sample is received. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt
within a reasonable timeframe, contact Inherent Health. If
the sample is received by Inherent Health in a condition that
prevents analysis, Inherent Health will let you know immediately
and send you another kit.
Using the Test Kit
Shouldn't this kind of test
be performed by a doctor?
No. The process for obtaining a DNA sample does not
require specialized training. It is quick, simple, involves minimal
risk and can be completed easily at home.
Why do I need to sign a
Consent Form?
A consent form is needed to document that the person providing
their DNA sample to Inherent Health for analysis has done so
voluntarily. No other stipulation is outlined in this form, nor
does it take away any rights of the individual signing it.
I can't find my Consent
Form. Can I just write something that says I consent to my DNA
being analyzed?
No. Inherent Health adheres to strict laboratory
practices including the use of standardized Consent Forms.
I dropped the test swabs.
Can I still use them?
If the brush was dropped after sample collection,
incidental contact with the floor or counter will not interfere
with the testing. If they were dropped before sample
collection, we will send you new collection brushes no charge to
you.
I dropped one of the DNA
swabs. Is one enough?
No. To get accurate results, each test may require the amount of
DNA found on both swabs. If needed, you can request a replacement
swab collection packet from Inherent Health.
What if I forget to rinse
my mouth before taking the DNA sample?
Your sample should be fine as long as you did not eat or
drink anything 15 minutes prior to taking your sample. If you're
not sure, contact Inherent Health for a swab replacement
packet.
Can I have multiple tests
performed from the same samples?
Yes, depending on which test and the results from the
analysis of the sample from the first test or previous tests.
The Company will analyze and report only the data for the test
required. The remaining data will be stored and only analyzed
if additional tests are requested. Please email or log in via
your account to purchase any additional tests and we will let you
know if a new swab is needed.
Interpreting the Results
How is my data
analyzed?
Your DNA is analyzed by determining the genetic sequence for a
particular gene using a gene sequencing machine. Researchers can
then compare your gene pattern to those that are found in the
general population which are known to result in a greater risk of
developing certain diseases.
What benefit is there in
knowing if I am at risk?
While you cannot change your DNA, you can make informed
lifestyle changes that are tailored to your genetic makeup in order
to mitigate the risks and achieve your wellness goals.
Can Inherent Health help me
interpret my results?
Yes. Your test includes an option for a 1-on-1 appointment with a
licensed, board certified genetic professional, who will answer any
questions you have about your results.
Why would I consult a board
certified genetic professional?
A board certified genetic professional can help you
understand your test results and how they relate to your family
history and your children's health. A genetic counselor can also
refer you to other specialists who can make lifestyle
recommendations to help you achieve your wellness goals.
Can Inherent Health
diagnose me with a disease based on my genetic data?
No. Although some diseases are diagnosed purely on genetics, for
most conditions, including the ones examined by these tests, the
risk is based on many other factors in addition to genetics. The
test results provide you with information that will allow you to
lower your risk and achieve your wellness goals.
My report indicates that I
am at risk for a disease. Should I go see my doctor?
Although some physicians may not be equipped to answer
your questions about a specific genetic test as they haven't been
introduced to the science behind the test, they are a good source
for information about your health and can advise you best on
lowering your overall risk factors for a particular disease or
condition.
If one or more parents are
at risk does that mean their children are also at
risk?
Not necessarily. You cannot be certain about the genetic status of
your children without testing. This is because everyone has two
versions of the same gene and a child receives one version from
each parent. Therefore, a child may receive versions of the gene
that do not put him/her at risk.
My family has a history of
disease, but this test shows I am not at risk. How can that
be?
This is possible because your family's history of that
disease may have been due to other factors besides genetic
variation (for example, smoking), or other genetic variations not
covered by the Inherent Health genetic tests, which impacts your
risk in addition to your genetic makeup.
Can this be used to
determine paternity?
No. Our laboratory is not set up to run paternity tests and it is
against our policies to do so. The genetic tests performed by
Inherent Health are designed to identify individuals who are at
risk for developing certain diseases and conditions we have
researched.
How long will results be
available to me?
Results will be available to you by request as long as
you have an Inherent Health account, unless you request that they
be made inaccessible at an earlier date. We are required by law to
keep the data and results for seven years in a secure location.
Public Health Awareness
Should this test be
recommended by a doctor?
A doctor's recommendation is not necessary as the test is
not used to diagnose a disease. Although our tests are not used for
diagnosing disease, all genetic tests are processed with a
physician's approval that Inherent Health secures.
Why hasn't my doctor
ordered this type of test when I get my physical?
Doctors typically order genetic tests during pregnancy and to
diagnose some forms of disease when they believe a patient is at
risk. As the concept of personal genetic testing is fairly new and
it is currently used by consumers as a proactive means for them to
ensure better health and wellness, physicians have not yet
incorporated them into their daily practice as a preventative
tool.
Has the FDA approved these
tests?
No. These genetic tests are termed laboratory developed
tests (LDTs) and can be marketed as such. The government's
regulations that exist require certified laboratories be used to
process genetic tests and those laboratories should meet what is
known as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA)
standards. The Inherent Health brand of genetic tests meet
these high standards through our own on-site, state-of-the-art,
CLIA certified laboratory, which is regulated by the US
government's Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Protecting our Customers' Privacy
How is my personal
information protected?
To prevent unauthorized access to your information,
Inherent Health's Lab database systems are run on HIPAA-compliant
architecture, employing secure servers, firewalls and encrypted
back-ups.
Who can view and use my
account information?
You control access to your account information and test results.
As long as you do not share your account password and username, no
other individual will have access to your account or your
results.
Who owns the genetic
data?
You own your genetic data. As a result, only you are able
to access and download your genetic data and test results.
Furthermore, you cannot be forced to reveal the results of your
genetic test to anyone else.
What happens to my
DNA?
To ensure your privacy is maintained, DNA is destroyed within 7
days of a test report being generated.
Where will my data be
stored?
Your test results are kept in a secure, encrypted
database housed on a secure server and are only accessed by trained
laboratory personnel.
Is my DNA used in any kind
of research?
No. Because genetic information is the most personal of all health
information, the company is absolutely committed to protecting the
privacy of test results. Your sample is bar-coded for privacy and
security and your DNA sample will be destroyed within 10 days after
the test results are verified. In addition, Inherent Health
restricts genetic analysis only to the specific testing that has
your expressed, written consent.
Can Inherent Health link my
name to any of my personal information?
All online accounts are unidentifiable to employees of
Inherent Health. Account Information is always stored separately
from Genetic and Personal Information so that your information
remains anonymous to laboratory personnel and website
administrators.
Can my insurance company or
employer request or independently obtain a copy of my
results?
No. Your privacy is protected by the Genetic Information
Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which was instituted in the United
States in May 2008. As a result, you are also not required to
disclose genetic information to an employer or insurer. In
addition, Inherent Health will not respond to any request for test
results from an insurer, employer or any other entity.