Genetic profiling test forecasts your likelihood to develop genetically associated health conditions in your lifetime. Unlike genetic profiling test, health screen reflect your current status of health, but it is not able to predict your future genetically associated health risks. In fact, we recommend doing a thorough genetic profiling test followed by regular health screening especially on those diseases that your genes code for.

Pathgene genetic profiling test is NOT a clinical diagnostic test. Thus, unlike genetic clinical diagnostic test, the insurance policies in ASEAN do not require declarations for now. Pathgene is like a glucometer and a clinical diagnostic genetic test is like your blood test to measure your glucose level .

Your DNA does not change during your lifetime except under extreme circumstances. Genotyping looks at specific locations in your DNA and identifies variations. Thus, PathGene‘s genetic profiling test is typically done once in a lifetime for healthy individuals to evaluate specific health risks.

We also offer clinical diagnostic genetic testing services for patients with inherited genetic conditions and for patients with genetic mutations acquired during the lifetime. These tests are usually requested by a healthcare professional.

Genetic profiling testing such as PathGene helps to:
• Identify the genetic associated risk factors of diseases such cancer, diabetes, heart related diseases
• Predict which family members are at-risk to develop the family’s inherited health condition
• Provide options for family planning

IMPORTANT: Genetic profiling test should not be used to diagnose a patient’s condition. For patients with inherited genetic conditions, we offer clinical diagnostic genetic tests services. These clinical tests are usually requested by a healthcare professional for clinical diagnostics therapeutic purposes.

We recommend that you consider the following when you choose a genomics profiling test^1,2

(1) Select a Lab that is known to provide:
• Reliable & Consistent Results
• Quality of Report

(2) Actionable insights for better health outcomes
• Easy to understand report
• Actionable results and recommendations
• Qualified healthcare professional support available for consultation to guide dietary and lifestyle changes

While there are many different technologies available in the marketplace for genomics profiling test, PathGene believes in using cost effective microarray technology solutions with proven track record of actionable insights. ^1,2 These personalised insights provide actionable guidance on how you can improve your health.

Some industry players promote the use of advanced next generation sequencing technology which may not be necessary for precision wellness. This results into unnecessary higher costs for the consumers. NGS tests may also uncover genetic variations without clear actionable insights for the consumer to act on.² Just imagine using a supercomputer at home, which may provide more information than you need.

Saying so, NGS is useful for clinical oncology diagnostics where it is used to diagnose diseases by identifying DNA mutations and changes within their genetic profile. ²

Genetic profiling test is only meaningful if there are proper intervention strategies in place to drive better health outcomes. PathGene’s customers can consult with our health coaches and network of healthcare professionals for proactive lifestyle changes for better health.

[1] Shawn C. Baker et al. Genetic Engineering & Biotech News, Jan 14 2013 . Next Generation Sequencing vs. Microarrays . Accessed on 9 Nov

[2] Shahandeh , Al et al. “Advantages of Array Based Technologies for Pre Emptive Pharmacogenomics Testing.” Microarrays (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 5,2 12. 28 May. 2016

DON’T PANIC. Having a higher risk score is not a guarantee that the mentioned disease will develop, although it may cause the disease in many people. Instead, it will help you be more aware and motivate you to make appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes to lower your risks of developing the disease or unhealthy condition.

We recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional or health coach to better understand your report and develop a proactive lifestyle intervention plan.

• Prioritise EARLY and FREQUENT health screening especially on those tests that can help you monitor the diseases that you are genetically more prone to.
• Tailor your dietary plan
• Make appropriate lifestyle changes (For further details, refer to the recommendation section of the PathGene report)

It is important to recognize that the genetic profiling test results cannot predict when the condition will develop or how severe it may be. Early preventive care is better than cure.