There are a number of questions and misconceptions about genetics and testing procedures. We have listed the most common questions here that we are asked quite often. If you do not find an answer to your particular question or concern please contact us through our Contact Page and submit your inquiry. We will provide you with the best answer we can provide with the current knowledge we have available. Your questions help us to build up our knowledge base so we encourage you to submit your inquiries no matter what they may be.

On Genetics
Why are genes so important?
Your health is a result of interactions between your genes and lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress, smoking and alcohol. It is your genetic make-up that determines which nutrients are used and how they are used, the way toxins are removed and how effective these key processes are within the body. However, by adjusting your lifestyle, you can have a great impact on how your genes work and compensate for areas in which your genes are not functioning at an optimal level.

How can genetic research be of benefit to me?
Using current advances in genetic science, you can now access the knowledge stored in your genome. By discovering your genetic secrets, which have until now, been locked away inside your DNA, you can obtain the knowledge necessary for you to take charge of your health. Everybody can map their own unique genetic discoveries and then take positive action on the results.

Why is testing important?
The genetic tests we provide give you a foolproof method of nutritional analysis. They can tell you how effectively your body uses certain nutrients, a result that will never change throughout your life. One genetic test now can save you thousands of dollars wasted on unnecessary supplements later. A test also gives you the concise knowledge you need to plan your lifestyle and diet. You'll be able to focus on areas of diet and lifestyle that are especially important for you. A genetic test allows you to act on the facts!

On Testing
Will you be able to tell if I'm ill?
No, we can only determine what type of genes people have and how they relate to certain metabolic factors involved in well being. In nearly all cases, these genes will be the same whether a person is well or ill. This is why we ask you in the lifestyle assessment whether you are under medical supervision. If you think you may be ill, you should consult your doctor.

Can I find out if I'm going to get Cancer?
We are often asked this question. Your test will NOT tell you that you're going to get cancer. However, it will tell you that your risk of developing certain types of cancer may be elevated due to your genetic make up and lifestyle. Your test results, along with our ONETest^TM Report will provide you with personalized guidance and advice based on your unique genetic make up.

Will I need to take a blood test?
No, the testing procedure is non invasive and painless. A cotton swab rubbed against the inside of your cheek is all that's needed to provide us with a DNA sample needed. You then send us the test and wait for your results. Nobody will have access to your results and your sample doesn't have your name on it at any time.

What do I receive back from OPG after the test?
After testing is completed you will receive back a complete and detailed report called; "The ONETest^TM Report." This report will provide, in plain language, the results of the testing and personalized recommendations for nutrition, diet and lifestyle choices you can make to improve your health.

On Privacy and Ethics
What is my DNA screened for?
One Person Genetics' screening focuses only on gene variations that call for changes in diet or lifestyle. We examine only a relatively limited number of specific sections of the whole genome - sections known to code for metabolic enzymes that are crucial to long-term health and well-being. The variations screened for by One Person Genetics are fairly common in the general population, and their presence does not mean you will definitely become ill. We don't screen for inherited disorders that are not affected by diet or lifestyle, such as Huntington's disease. These disorders, known as single-gene diseases because they are caused by a defect in only one gene, are relatively rare. People with a family history of such an illness are likely to be already receiving counseling and support within the health service system. If you think you may be at risk for an inherited disease, you should speak to your doctor.

If I have variations in my genes can these be corrected?
Genes are found in every cell of the body. Therefore, for the correction to be effective, scientists must find a way to reach every single cell. This is an enormous challenge for gene therapy, an experimental procedure that is attempted only in serious genetic diseases caused by a single defective gene, such as cystic fibrosis. In contrast, the variations screened for by OPG are fairly common in the general population, and their presence does not mean you will definitely become ill. It would thus be both impractical and inappropriate to attempt to physically "correct" these commonly occurring variations - even if the technology existed to make this possible. OPG is not involved in researching gene therapy, and we do not offer treatment of any kind. Rather, we provide advice that takes into account the presence of genetic variations. Our service allows you to maintain good health by following dietary and lifestyle advice tailored to your unique genetic profile.

Who will have access to my DNA results and Assessment?
Both your DNA results and your assessment will be kept strictly confidential. One Person Genetics takes the utmost care to safeguard your privacy, and personally identifiable information will never be disclosed. In particular, we do not provide information to insurance companies. Once you put the coded label on your DNA sample, your DNA is identifiable only by that label and even members of One Person Health's lab staff do not know to whom the sample belongs. When the analysis has been completed, the sample is physically destroyed while the anonymous DNA record is stored for research purposes only.

On One Person Genetics
What counseling and advice does OPG provide?
We provide live telephone customer support and e-mail advice through our customer support agents. We do not provide genetic counseling or medical counseling. We provide lifestyle recommendations, dietary and supplement recommendations in our ONETest^TM Lifestyle Report. For further medical or genetic advice clients are encouraged to consultant a health care professional in their area.

What kind of genetic testing does OPG perform?
Our test focus only on gene variations that call for changes in diet or lifestyle. By learning about the specific nature of some of your genes from your Advisory Report, you will learn to focus on factors that are of greatest benefit to your health. Our DNA analysis does not include genetic diseases that are not influenced by nutrition or lifestyle.

For more information go to our Research/Articles pages . . .