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Genetic Predisposition Test
review on 8 March 2014
by Craig Macpherson
At a Glance
Summary
In conclusion, the genetic predisposition test from Easy DNA was comprehensive and easy to understand. This is definitely one of the best genetic health tests on the market.
That said, I felt the test’s limitations weren’t made clear on the Easy DNA site before I bought, and the description seemed to suggest I’d receive advice to reduce my ‘high’ risks which wasn’t the case. It was also disappointing to receive the results eight and a half weeks after sending off my sample, when I was told it would take only four.
Similar tests can be purchased from other providers, so I’d recommend you take a look around before choosing this genetic predisposition test from Easy DNA.
Full Review
Easy DNA were offering a wide range of DNA tests - I took their ‘Genetic Predisposition Health DNA Test’ to learn about the conditions I might suffer with later in life.
Product Expectations
Easy DNA said that by taking their test, I’d be able to identify my likelihood of suffering with 25 major diseases, and even take preventative measures to reduce my risks. The site indicated that my DNA would be tested for Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which would reveal the conditions I'm predisposed to, and that these would be compared to those of the general population.
Easy DNA made it clear that I should discuss my results with a doctor after I get them. An example report was available on the site which was really useful, and a link to a genetic counselling advice service was provided.
Ordering Experience
Purchasing the test was simple. The order form was quick and easy to complete, and I was sent an email saying I’d get the results four weeks after they received my sample. The sample kit arrived in the post two working days later.
To provide a sample I was required to use a tiny device which pricked my finger, this allowed me to place a drop of blood on a sample card. The finger prick was a little painful and I wouldn’t recommend it for the squeamish.
After sending off the sample card, I wasn’t sent confirmation that the lab had received it until four and a half weeks later. The confirmation email said I could expect my results after a further four weeks, and they were eventually emailed to me in a 34 page PDF document.
The Results
At the top of the document there was another explanation of SNPs, and that these were mutations in my DNA which would indicate my disease risk for certain conditions. The section said that mutations are only sought where more than 1% of the population inherit them. It was made clear that the test was only a predictive tool, and that I should speak to a doctor if I have concerns about my current state of health.
The document went on to discuss how I should interpret the results, and I found this section (shown below) really helpful.
The section explaining how to interpret the results.
Results Section: Results Summary
A table listed my risks for the 25 conditions indicated on the Easy DNA website - I was given a high genetic risk for five diseases, a medium genetic risk for 10, and a low genetic risk for the remaining 10.
My high genetic risks (shown below) were for type 2 diabetes, lupus, psoriasis, atrial fibrillation and Graves’ disease. In every case I could see that my lifetime disease risk was significantly higher than that of the general population.
The conditions I have a high genetic risk level for.
My lifetime risk of suffering with 'medium risk' conditions (shown below) tended to be 10%-30%. However, two of these lifetime risks seemed very high: Coronary heart disease (56.1% lifetime risk) and osteoarthritis (40.9% lifetime risk). When I compared these risks to the average, I saw that we all share a similar likelihood of suffering with these conditions, and having been given a little context my concerns were reduced.
The conditions I have a medium genetic risk level for.
It was a relief to see that my risk of suffering with coronary heart disease was ‘medium’ and not ‘high’, as my paternal grandfather passed away from a heart attack in his 60s. That said, the document indicated that although 57% of everyone’s coronary heart disease risk is genetic, 43% of the risk is still dictated by environmental factors, so it’s clear that I shouldn’t become complacent.
Alzheimer’s disease was one of my low genetic risks (3.3% lifetime risk) which was also a relief, as my maternal grandfather suffered with this in his 80s. My low genetic risks are shown below.
The conditions I have a low genetic risk level for.
Results Section: Condition details
A page was then dedicated to each of the 25 diseases. Each page contained a brief description of how prevalent the condition was, my lifetime risk compared to that of the general population, a table showing the relevant genetic markers that had been examined, and a chart depicting how the risk is influenced by genetic versus environmental factors.
The page devoted to my Alzheimer's results is shown below.
The page devoted to my Alzheimer's results.
I found these sections to be a valuable resource as I could look up the diseases I hadn't heard of, and review the results in more detail for the conditions that were a concern.
Summary
In conclusion, the genetic predisposition test from Easy DNA was comprehensive and easy to understand. This is definitely one of the best genetic health tests on the market.
That said, I felt the test’s limitations weren’t made clear on the Easy DNA site before I bought, and the description seemed to suggest I’d receive advice to reduce my ‘high’ risks which wasn’t the case. It was also disappointing to receive the results eight and a half weeks after sending off my sample, when I was told it would take only four.
Similar tests can be purchased from other providers, so I’d recommend you take a look around before choosing this genetic predisposition test from Easy DNA.
We are glad to hear that our client’s overall experience was positive and appreciate the feedback he provided. We value our client’s feedback because this will help us improve on the service we offer.
With regards to this case, we have confirmed that a client sample confirmation email was sent out; In this case, our records show the email was sent on the 14th of January and results were emailed to the client on the 10th of February. The result turnaround for this test, as written on our website, is 19-21 working days from receipt of samples and thus, we provided a timely service to our client without any delays whatsoever. There is however, a 4 week gap between the date on which the client sent his samples and the day on which they were received by easyDNA. The issue here is clearly a postal delay – something we have no control over. We are always happy to help our clients when such issues arise and clients feel free to contact our customer support team by live chat, telephone or email at any time to discuss any concerns or problems. In this case, we did not have any calls or emails from the client.
Following your feedback about the genetic test’s limitations, we have added an entire section of the website page so as to spell out the tests limitations, placing further stress on the importance of genetic counselling pre and post genetic testing. As to the delay in your results, one must consider that the result turnaround time begins from the moment samples are received at the lab and, as indicated on the website, these take around 3 weeks to complete.