Two weeks ago I received the results of my genetic analysis from www.23andme.com.  I completed this test on myself for two reasons:  To find out if the information would be helpful to Sound Health Members as part of their enhanced physical examination and to find out what risk factors I inherited from my parents who both died of cancer.

“23 and me” is a company who does gene chip based genetics and is located in Mountain View, California.  The company is financed partly by Genentech, the Seattle based company known for breakthroughs in genetic testing.

The saliva specimen collection was easy; I spit into a plastic test tube, sealed the sample in a biohazard bag and zipped it off in a post paid box to California.  The testing took about 4 weeks to complete.

 

This screen shows where my mother’s side of the family is from.

 

This is the most important screen.  It shows that I am at elevated risk for diabetes and prostate cancer

The results for my test are viewed online at the 23 and me website.  The website is fairly easy to navigate, but I recommend that you view the results and then meet with us to discuss the details of the test meanings.  I inserted a couple of the screen shots from my results for you to view.  I learned about the diseases that I have to watch out for (diabetes and prostate cancer, for example) as well as the ones that I am at lower risk (Alzheimers disease, heart disease).

In an earlier blog I discussed GINA, the Genetics Information Non-descrimination Act, and how it gives you protections against using your genetic information to discriminate you with insurance and employment.  (If you haven’t read it yet, click here so you can learn more). The information from this test is solely given to you (not your doctors or healthcare providers) and you can share as much or as little as you wish.

The current $299 fee includes the testing and a one-year subscription on the website.  As new tests are developed your sample is tested for these new traits free of charge as long as you have a current subscription to their website.  Last week, I received my Parkinsons risk profile; I am lower than average risk.

Genetic testing is not the “end all” test that predicts every disease or affliction, but it does a lot to start a health consumer on the road to truly preventive medicine.  At Sound Health Physicians we stand by our mission to provide P4 Medicine: Prediction, Prevention, Personalization, and Participation.

Please join us!

-jim