DNA testing offers important insights into your health by revealing genetic predispositions to specific diseases. This knowledge empowers you to take proactive measures in managing your health, customised to your unique genetic profile. Armed with this information, you can enhance your diet, exercise routines, and overall wellness strategies to align more effectively with your body’s needs.
MyDNA partners with Genoplan, the top DNA testing company in Korea. They operate laboratories accredited by local health authorities and certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP). This certifies Genoplan’s DNA kit as hospital-grade. These companies often utilise cutting-edge technology, including Illumina’s microarray chips, for DNA sample analysis.
These chips feature extensive genome-wide markers representing diverse populations. This advanced technology allows laboratories to evaluate DNA for specific genetic traits linked to various wellness characteristics effectively.
Founded in 2014, Genoplan is Korea’s first direct-to-consumer DNA testing company, making a significant mark in the Asian market by addressing the lack of genetic data and services specifically for Asian populations. The company specialises in delivering detailed health insights through genetic analysis, helping individuals understand their susceptibility to various diseases, traits, and medication responses based on their DNA.
What distinguishes Genoplan is its holistic approach to genetic testing. It offers over 500 reports covering a wide range of health topics, including cancer risks, common diseases, and personal traits. This comprehensive scope gives users an in-depth understanding of their genetic health, empowering them to manage their well-being proactively. Genoplan’s tests are designed for easy at-home use with simple saliva samples, and results can be accessed through a user-friendly platform, ensuring a convenient and seamless experience.
Our testing partner’s DNA testing achieves hospital-grade accuracy through advanced technology and rigorous quality standards:
CAP-Accredited Labs:
Your sample is analysed in laboratories certified by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) – the same accreditation standard used by hospitals worldwide.
Cutting-Edge Technology:
Genoplan analyses DNA using SNP microarray genotyping on a custom array it designed and Illumina manufactures. The array directly measures around 700,000 genetic markers. Additional markers are estimated through statistical imputation, and your results are calculated using Genoplan’s validated polygenic risk score (PRS) models. This provides:
Comprehensive Analysis:
Unlike basic ancestry tests, we analyse genetic markers across 500+ reports covering 274 traits, 198 general diseases, and 30 cancer types – giving you the most complete picture available.
Asian Population Optimised:
Our DNA testing partner, Genoplan, was founded specifically to address the lack of genetic data for Asian populations, complementing the Western counterpart to ensure your results are relevant and accurate for your genetic background.
Continuous Updates:
As genetic research advances, your online reports are dynamically updated with new discoveries and enhanced accuracy – at no additional cost.
Quality Assurance:
The 10-14 day processing time allows for thorough analysis rather than rushed results, ensuring reliability you can trust for important health decisions.
No, DNA testing cannot and does not predict death or provide specific timelines for health events. Here’s what our comprehensive genetic analysis actually reveals:
Risk Assessment, Not Predictions:
Our 500+ reports identify genetic predispositions and risk factors for various health conditions. Think of it as a weather forecast – we can tell you if there’s a higher chance of rain (health risks), but we can’t predict exactly when or if it will happen.
Genetics vs Lifestyle:
Your genes account for approximately 30% of your health risks, while lifestyle choices make up the remaining 70%. This means you have significant power to influence your health outcomes through informed decisions about diet, exercise, and preventive care.
Actionable Insights:
Rather than predictions, we provide actionable information such as:
Early Detection Advantage:
Our clients have leveraged their genetic insights for early screening, resulting in successful detection and treatment of early-stage diseases – transforming genetic awareness into positive health outcomes.
A broad range of DNA testing options are available, including medical and non-medical tests. Medical DNA tests necessitate a prescription from healthcare providers and are governed by strict regulations. Conversely, many online DNA tests are non-medical and categorised as “Direct-To-Consumer” products, offering therapeutic insights to consumers. MyDNA DNA tests offered by our vendors are consumer genetic products, and MyDNA does not provide any medical-grade DNA testing.
Yes. A DNA test examines your genetic traits, while a health screening assesses your current health status. For example, even if your DNA results show a genetic predisposition to resist high cholesterol, you might still develop it due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Therefore, using a DNA test from MyDNA’s DNA testing partner as a guide to improve your lifestyle choices and anticipate potential health concerns is wise.
Our genetic makeup remains unchanged from birth through adulthood, meaning DNA testing can be done at any stage of life, including infancy. As long as a DNA sample, like saliva or drool, can be collected from the child and proper collection procedures are followed, there are no age-related restrictions.
Your illnesses do not alter your DNA makeup, so they won’t impact your ability to undergo a DNA test. However, if you have recently been ill and required antibiotics, it’s best to wait until you’ve fully recovered before taking a DNA test. This ensures that your sample contains only your DNA, without bacterial DNA from the illness.
DNA testing poses no risks to pregnant women, and a mother’s genetic information remains unchanged regardless of her pregnancy status. Moreover, MyDNA prioritises the safety and integrity of all gene testing procedures.
While genes do not change, research into how individual genes are expressed continually advances. As discoveries emerge regarding genetic expression or the effects of specific genes, your DNA analysis results may also change in the future. Most reputable DNA companies provide dynamic updates to their online reports, so you can regularly check for updates on new traits or enhanced accuracy.
If your DNA test results reveal a trait that doesn’t align with your personal experience, there’s no need to be concerned. Due to lifestyle and environmental factors, discrepancies can often arise between genetic predictions and actual traits. For example, even if your DNA indicates you should have a full head of hair, external influences could still lead to hair loss.
Genoplan has structured its service to allow customers to control the amount of information they share, including the option to use a pseudonym. This means you can use an alias when registering your kit. Once your sample arrives at the laboratory in Korea, it is identified solely by the unique anonymous code printed on the sample tube.
Yes! DNA testing can be performed on family members from age 2 onwards (provided sufficient saliva can be collected).
Yes, your genetic data is protected under strict privacy standards including ISO 27001 certification and Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) 2012. Your information will never be shared with insurance companies or healthcare providers without your explicit consent. In Singapore, insurers are prohibited from requesting direct-to-consumer DNA test results for underwriting purposes.
No, we do not sell, lease, or rent your data to any third party. You alone determine how your results are used and shared. Additionally, Genoplan holds ISO 27001 certification, ensuring the protection of your personal data and compliance with Singapore’s Singapore’s PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act 2012).
Absolutely not! You maintain complete control over your genetic information. Here’s exactly how we protect you:
Legal Protection in Singapore:
Under Singapore’s Ministry of Health moratorium, insurance companies are legally prohibited from requesting or using direct-to-consumer DNA test reports for policy decisions – whether you’re applying for new coverage or have existing policies.
Your Data, Your Choice:
We never share your results with anyone without your explicit permission. You decide if and when to share information with your doctor or healthcare provider. When you do choose to share, our reports are delivered in a secure, digital format that medical professionals can easily interpret.
Triple-Layer Security:
Your data is protected by:
Anonymous Processing:
Once your sample reaches our testing partner’s CAP-accredited labs, either in Korea or Japan, it’s identified only by an anonymous code – not your name or personal details.
Under Singapore’s Ministry of Health moratorium, insurance companies are legally prohibited from requesting or using direct-to-consumer DNA test reports for policy decisions – whether you’re applying for new coverage or have existing policies.
Many other countries adhere to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) in the U.S., which protects individuals from genetic discrimination in health insurance and employment, safeguarding their genetic information from use by health insurers.
Regulations differ from country to country.
For more details, go to publications and articles on Swiss Re institute’s website regarding DNA testing and insurance access the globe: Click Here
You can also read the publication ‘Genetic Testing in the Life & Health Insurance Industry‘ (click on the title) by Florian Rechfeld, Life & Health R&D Manager, CUO L&H Reinsurance, published on 6 November 2024.
Predictive DNA testing analyses your family’s genetic blueprint to identify predispositions to various health conditions, diseases, and traits before symptoms appear. This proactive approach helps families understand their inherited health risks and take preventive measures to protect their children’s future well-being. It’s about empowerment through knowledge – giving you the tools to make informed decisions about your family’s health journey.
DNA testing can be performed on children from age 2 onwards, provided sufficient saliva can be collected. There are no upper age restrictions, making it valuable for multi-generational family health planning. The earlier you understand your child’s genetic blueprint, the sooner you can implement personalised nutrition, lifestyle, and healthcare strategies to optimise their development and long-term health.
DNA testing for nutrition analyses your genetic makeup to understand how your body processes different nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. By examining specific genetic variants, we can identify your unique nutritional needs and create personalised recommendations to optimise your health and well-being.
DNA testing doesn’t predict exact weight loss amounts, but it provides the roadmap for sustainable results. Your genetics influence approximately 30% of your weight management success, while lifestyle choices account for 70%. The key advantage is that you’ll be following strategies optimised for your genetic makeup, leading to more effective and sustainable results.
