Genomic Express provides, here on our website, information about genomics and genetic testing. This includes general educational materials, information about new genetic discoveries and new genetic tests under development.

For genetic tests that we offer, Genomic Express provides the following resources:

• Information about the personal trait, lifestyle, health or medical condition for which the test is relevant.
• Information and tools, including online questionaires, to help you decide whether a particular test is appropriate and would be useful for you.
• What information the genetic test can (and can not) give you.
• Recommended actions for particular test results.
• Online ordering of genetic tests. Once you have decided to take a test and place your order, we do the following:
  1. Set up your own Genomic Express secure, personal online account.
  2. We send you a test kit with instructions for collecting your DNA sample. This is a buccal swab which merely requires running a sterile cotton swab along the inside of your cheek.
  3. You complete the test kit and return it directly to our testing lab in the pre-paid envelope.
  4. When your test results are reported, we notify you by e-mail and you can log-on to your own secure account to view your Personal Report.
  5. Your Personal Report provides your genetic information together with an explanation of what the result means for you. This explanation is based on a comprehensive review of the scientific and medical literature, and includes citations of the original publications.
  6. For medical genetic tests, we can provide access to a qualified genetic counselor for explanation and discussion of your test results.
• Confidentiality and security of your genetic information. Your genetic test results will be posted to your personal online account. This account is established at the time you order a test. It is password protected so that you control access to your genetic test results. Anonymous genetic testing is available if desired.
• No genetic tests, other than the one(s) you specifically ordered, will be performed on your DNA sample. Unlike other genetic testing companies, Genomic Express does not conduct any research using your DNA. Unless you choose to use one of our other services, such as personal DNA banking/archiving, your DNA sample will be destroyed after your genetic tests are completed.

Genomic Express offers a variety of genetic tests and genomic services. These, as well as tests and services that are currently under development and will be offered at a future date, are described in detail in the Genetic Tests and Genomic Services links.

A concise list of the genetic tests that we currently offer can also be viewed by following this link: Tests We Offer

Genetic testing refers to an analysis of an individual's genetic information. This is most commonly performed on DNA and focuses on analysis of the region of the individual's genome that is relevant to the particular test.

Genetic tests employ various techniques to measure changes in DNA sequences. The most detailed information is obtained from full DNA sequence analysis. In cases where the tests are for a specific variant(s), a variety of other techniques can be employed. Many genetic tests look for the presence of certain variant alleles (allele refers to one of the two copies of a particular gene; see Glossary) within the coding regions of genes. These are the sequences in DNA that encode proteins. Other genetic tests evaluate DNA alterations in noncoding regions such as introns, DNA sequences flanking genes and intergenic regions of DNA (see Glossary for definition of terms).

A large number of DNA sequence changes can occur. The most common are SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) which are single base substitutions in which one of the 4 bases (A,T,G or C) is changed to one of the other three. These substitutions can change the structure and/or activity of the protein encoded by the gene. These changes can be amino acid replacements, a premature termination of the protein, a linking of part of the native protein to a different protein sequence or have no effect on the encoded protein (a "silent" polymorphism). In cases where a SNP occurs in a non-coding region of the protein it can still affect the final protein structure, and may also affect levels of expression of the gene and other types of gene regulation. Other types of DNA sequence alterations include insertion or deletion of single bases or larger segments of DNA and duplication and inversion of DNA sequences.

When you undergo genetic testing, region(s) of your genome are analyzed for variations that are known or suspected to have certain consequences. At Genomic Express, we only offer genetic tests that have been scientifically and medically validated. That is, there is strong scientific or medical evidence supporting the interpretation of the test result. You can be confident that genetic testing with Genomic Express will provide you with a reliable and understandable test result based on current scientific/medical knowledge and the latest technology.

Genetic tests we currently offer, as well as tests and services that are under development, are described in detail under Genetic Tests and Genomic Services.

A concise list of the genetic tests that we currently offer can also be viewed by following this link: Tests We Offer.

You are unique. No other individual has the identical genetic composition as you. There are similarities between all of us, and we are most similar to our immediate family members. We each inherit half (23) of our chromosomes from our mothers and the other half from our fathers. We are genetically most similar to our siblings, with identical twins being the most similar.

Your genome consists of the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) in your 46 chromosomes (see Glossary for definition of terms). This DNA is a double helix of two strands consisting of a sugar-phosphate backbone containing sequential bases of either adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) or cytosine (C). Each individual unit of a DNA strand is referred to as a nucleotide. The nucleotide sequence of one strand determines the sequence of the other strand (the strands are complementary) with A always pairing with T and G always pairing with C, to form A-T and G-C base pairs. The DNA in your genome constitutes a sequence of over 3 billion base pairs. This DNA sequence programs your development from a fetus to an adult, encodes all the proteins produced in your body and controls many other aspects of your appearance and traits.

The genomes of all humans are very similar, in fact about 97-99% identical. However, it is now known that there are over 38 million nucleotide positions (single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) where there are differences between individuals.  Each individual has about 3.6 million of these SNPs. The particular nucleotides (or base pairs) at these variable positions are what makes each of us unique.

The DNA sequence variants in your genome contribute to your appearance and other traits, how you respond to environmental influences, your susceptibility to diseases, how you respond to medications and many other characteristics that make you a unique human being. Analysis of your genome can also be used to reconstruct your ancestry. While your genome determines many of your traits, characteristics, susceptibilities and abilities, it does not determine your destiny. Environmental, social and individual factors also have a great influence on our lives. Genetics is one of several very important components that affects each of us.

Over fifty years of research since solving the structure of DNA led to determination of the complete DNA sequence of the human genome, which was formally announced in April, 2003. This resulted in a subsequent dramatic increase in our understanding of genetics and genomics, and considerably more will be learned in future years. We are truly living at the time of the genomic revolution. At Genomic Express, we believe your genetic information is your personal property and that you have a right to confidentially obtain and control use of your genetic information. Genomic Express can help you obtain and understand your own genetic information in order to be more informed, take control of your own healthcare and lead a healthier and more productive life.