DNAction

Welcome to Pathway Genomics’ first, official DNA Conversation Starter. We felt the best way to kick off this campaign was to start with the basics and to answer the first question that comes to many of our minds—What is genetic testing?

If you mention the term “genetic testing” reactions can vary widely—from curiosity, to reticence or anxiety, to enthusiastic acceptance. The reality is, DNA testing has been used for decades, primarily to determine the paternity of children and to obtain forensic evidence for police investigations and legal trials.

In case your high school science classes don’t come readily to mind, here’s a quick refresher: Within every human cell are 23 pairs of chromosomes that house approximately 25,000 genes—coded instructions for building and maintenance of a human body. Our genes are composed of the chemical, DNA. DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid, is the fundamental building block of humankind’s genetic “blueprint” and contains the biological instructions that make our species different from others, and every person (except identical twins) unique.

In the past few years, the science of DNA testing has advanced exponentially, both in the amount of information genetic tests can reveal, and in the precision and reliability of the results. Today, companies like Pathway Genomics are making it easy and affordable for consumers to test their DNA privately and securely, and gain information that can help them make more-informed health and lifestyle decisions. You may still be asking yourself, how does it work?

How it works
Pathway Genomics’ genetic testing service starts by a customer ordering a genetic health or ancestry report. A DNA collection kit is then delivered via mail, containing a saliva collection vial, simple instructions, and a prepaid return envelope. Once a customer returns their saliva sample to Pathway Genomics’ laboratory, and activates their account online, the genetic results are returned in only a few weeks. By using customized and innovative DNA genetic testing technologies, Pathway Genomics conducts comprehensive genotyping services to provide customers with personalized genetic test reports, outlining their propensity for disease, carrier status, drug response, and ancestral history.
Why test? Perhaps you’re simply curious! If you’re like most people who take a personal DNA test, however, discovering the details of your DNA can help you understand more about your biology and empower you to take more proactive control of your health and wellbeing. If you are interested in learning more about why you should test or what you can learn look forward to our next set of DNA Conversation Starters on these topics.

mbornstein DNA Testing DNA, genetic test, genetic testing, genetics, Pathway, Pathway Genomics, personal genetic testing

Welcome to DNA Conversation Starters! Since launching our company early last year we’ve realized how important it is to provide the public with educational information about genetics and personal genetic testing. For most of us, we learned about DNA for the first time in middle school. But, when was the last time you revisited your biology textbook? Recent discoveries show that genetic information can actually be used for so much more than just determining our eye color.

More and more we see well-known TV shows like Law and Order or CSI using DNA to obtain forensic evidence for police investigations and legal trials. Did you know that canine (dog) DNA is even being used to identify pet owners for not picking up their dog’s droppings on the street? Now, with access to advanced genetic testing technologies, companies like Pathway Genomics can generate genetic test results from a small saliva sample and tell a fascinating story about who you are at your biological core. This information can give you greater insight into your past and present, and empower you to make more-informed choices for your future.

We understand that making the decision to order a personal genetic test brings up a lot of questions. Here, in our ‘DNA Conversation Starters’, we will discuss these questions. We will offer our thoughts and insights on the benefits associated with personal genetic testing and rule out various myths associated with genetic testing. For instance, a genetic health test may tell you that you carry a certain genetic marker linked to heart disease, however being at risk does not mean that you will develop this condition.

Join us as we talk through a variety of topics linked to genetics including women’s health, cancer, heart disease, asthma, men’s health, nutrition, and ancestry. We’ll also answer some of your common questions. If you don’t see a topic that you want to hear about, please let us know and we will do our best to address your questions. This information is meant to help you talk about genetics with confidence.

To help launch DNA Conversation Starters, we are offering a discount for Pathway’s combo Health and Ancestry Genetic Test report. For $348, customers can access genetic testing for health conditions, including drug response, carrier status, and disease plus ancestry. Just enter the code, DNASTART at check out!

mbornstein DNA Testing, News & Features DNA, genetic test, genetic testing, Pathway, Pathway Genomics, personal genetic testing