FAQs
Who orders and pays for the DNA test?
You, the customer, order and pay for the test on our site. A licensed healthcare provider must authorize the test, similar to a prescription.
Why is a provider required?
State regulations require a licensed provider to authorize DNA tests to ensure medical oversight and appropriate use of results.
Can I use my own doctor?
Yes you can, or choose a vetted provider that offers affordable Telehealth consults as low as $19.99. Just go to patients.swellcare.health after purchase of the test.
What is the Telehealth service?
We've partnered with a Telehealth provider (patients.swellcare.health) offering consultations for as low as $19.99 to authorize your test, making the process affordable and streamlined. You can always use your primary care provider if you prefer, just communicate with us.
How does the Telehealth process work?
After ordering and paying for the test, go to patients.swellcare.health. Sign up and you will be linked with an informed provider that will ask you a few questions. After that, your test will be shipped to you.
Is the Telehealth fee included in the test price?
No, the Telehealth consultation fee (in most cases just $19.99 but up to $29.99) is separate from the test cost and paid to the Telehealth provider.
What if my provider doesn't authorize the test?
In the rare occurrence that authorization is denied and you paid for a test, we will refund your order. Contact us for assistance
What is your refund policy?
Any orders that are not authorized by a healthcare provider will be refunded. In this instance, contact us for assistance. If lab work is done on a submitted sample, no refunds will be issued. If there is an issue with results, contact Fagron, the company that does the lab work and provides the tests. They may offer to re-test.
How accurate are cheek swab DNA tests for genetic analysis?
Cheek swab DNA tests can accurately identify genetic variants when processed in certified laboratories. Our tests analyze genetic markers and are processed in CLIA-certified labs, but results are for educational purposes only.
How long do genetic test results take?
Results are typically ready in 5-7 business days after the lab receives your sample. The total time from ordering to receiving results is usually 2-3 weeks, which includes shipping time both ways and lab processing.
What's the difference between your tests and direct-to-consumer ancestry tests?
While ancestry tests focus on heritage, our tests analyze genetic variants related to various traits. However, our results are educational and should be discussed with healthcare professionals for any health-related decisions.
Is my genetic data private and secure?
Yes. Your genetic data is processed by Fagron, a certified laboratory that follows all HIPAA regulations and never sells genetic data to third parties. UnlockedDNA doesn't store or have access to your raw genetic data - it remains secure with the certified lab.
Which genetic test should I consider first?
The choice depends on your interests in learning about different genetic traits. Our healthcare provider partners can help you understand which test might provide the genetic information you're seeking.
What does the healthcare provider approval cost?
The telehealth consultation costs $19.99-$29.99 depending on your state. This covers the required authorization for your genetic test order.
What will I learn from my results?
You'll receive an educational report about your genetic variants and what research suggests about these variants. This information should be discussed with healthcare professionals for any health-related interpretations.
Can I share these results with my doctor?
Yes. Your results include scientific references and can be shared with healthcare providers. Many doctors find genetic information helpful as one factor among many when making healthcare decisions.
How is genetic testing different from medical lab work?
Medical lab work shows current health markers, while genetic testing reveals inherited DNA variants. Genetic information represents possibilities, not certainties, and should always be interpreted by qualified healthcare professionals.
Educational Content
How Genetic Testing Works: A Simple Guide
Genetic testing analyzes your DNA to identify inherited variants that research has studied in relation to various traits. Here's the process:
1. Order and Payment You order and pay for your test online. A sample collection kit will be shipped to you.
2. Sample Collection You collect cells from inside your cheek using the cotton swab provided. This is painless and takes about 30 seconds.
3. Laboratory Analysis Your sample goes to a certified lab where equipment reads specific locations in your DNA called "variants" - inherited differences between individuals.
4. Report Generation Computer algorithms compare your variants to scientific research databases to provide information about your genetic profile.
5. Results Delivery You receive a detailed report in 5-7 business days after the lab receives your sample, explaining your genetic variants and what research suggests about them.
Results are for educational purposes and should be discussed with qualified healthcare professionals.
Understanding Your Genetic Test Results
Your genetic test results will include three main sections:
Genetic Variants Identified This shows which specific inherited DNA variants you have and how frequently they occur in research populations.
Research Information Educational explanations of what published studies have found regarding these variants and various traits.
Professional Consultation Recommendations Suggestions to discuss your genetic information with qualified healthcare, nutrition, or fitness professionals for personalized interpretation.
Remember: Genetic variants represent possibilities studied in research, not certainties. These educational insights should be discussed with qualified professionals for any health, nutrition, or fitness decisions.
About Us Content
About Unlocked DNA
We provide accessible genetic testing services that deliver educational information about inherited DNA variants based on published scientific research.
Our Mission Make genetic information accessible through simple at-home testing, always emphasizing the importance of professional healthcare guidance.
Professional Partnerships We work with licensed telehealth providers and CLIA-certified laboratories to ensure testing meets quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Quality Standards
- All tests processed in CLIA-certified labs
- Results include scientific references from peer-reviewed research
- Genetic data encrypted and privacy-compliant
- Clear disclaimers about educational nature of results
Customer Support Our team can help you understand the testing process and connect you with appropriate professionals for result interpretation.