Slovak DNA analysis based on world-class quality

What is genetic analysis

Genetic testing is a type of medical test, which helps to identify genetic variations or in other words, helps to identify changes in genetic code at any age, and therefore it is possible to make effective decisions in areas of health prevention, and/or in precise healthcare.

 

Decoding of a 100% of your DNA means more analyses, the most precise interpretation of your genome and even more knowledge, as science and research are progressing. Via sequencing of your whole genome you are tested only once, and you´ll flourish your life forever.

 

It took almost 70 years

In 1953, Francis Crick and James Watson have discovered the iconic double-hellix structure of DNA. It meant a great jump in sciences about life and in less than 70 years later it allowed our DNA to be decoded in the project of Human Genome by very first sequencing of the human genome. The Celera Corporation company and the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium have already published the first working version of an incomplete sequence of the human genome in 2001. In next 20 years, the International Consortium Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) has finished the sequencing and finally on May in 2021 the last 8% of the human genome was completed. It is monumental success and experts will certainly monitor next progress with an enthusiasm.

 

DNA gradually reveals all of its secrets, and new discoveries are being revealed everyday. While the first sequencing of the human genome cost more than $3 billion, today we can do it for a fraction of that price.

 

 

The language of genes

The genome represents the entire genetic material of living organisms. As Crick and Watson discovered, DNA is a ladder-like molecule consisting of two main strands twisted around each other and connected by pairs of organic bases (nucleotides). There are four of these in DNA and they form pairs: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G). The human genome is thought to have 3.055 billion of these base pairs, arranged in 23 pairs of chromosomes, each containing hundreds to thousands of genes. Scientists estimate that our cells contain about 20,000 protein-coding genes. One of the big surprises of previous studies of the human genome is how little of our DNA actually codes for proteins - just 1 percent. Genome sequencing is the process of determining the order of nucleotides in your DNA. This sequence is unique to each individual, carrying instructions for our development and functioning. It represents the blueprint for our bodies.

 

What makes genetic analysis world-class

DNA sequencing method

When companies offer you genetic testing, it's important to know what method they use to analyze your DNA because each has its own specifics and limitations. If you are deciding between tests from different companies, choose one that provides a whole genome sequencing method.

The targeted approach is a well-established method of DNA analysis, and it used by most local DNA test providers on the market, and it analyses only a fraction of your genome - less than 1%. It is focused on a panel of genes that have been shown to have a strong association with lifestyle traits. The targeted approach produces less data, which is easier to interpret, but has a limited testing scope.

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has only started to be used extensively after 2014, making it one of the most advanced tools in genetic science, more precise and more advanced than other methods.

Instead of the usual targeted approach - looking only at selected parts of your DNA - the WGS method maps 100% of your genome. Mapping the entire genome, approximately 3 billion pairs of DNA, allows a much higher number of relevant genetic variants to be detected and analyzed, providing the most thorough interpretation of human DNA. No matter where in your genome scientists discover something valuable, you've already mapped it. The only thing left is to interpret it and you can use your newfound knowledge to your advantage!

If targeted access has opened the door to our genetic code, whole genome sequencing has opened it wide. The WGS test is also a long-term investment; its value will grow in the future.

In addition to the DNA sequencing method itself, there are several other parameters that you should consider when choosing a genetic testing company.

Quality of labs and test panels - WGS testing requires state-of-the-art European labs, cutting-edge testing technology and test panels developed in collaboration with international R&D departments,

Security and quality - the highest quality, security and data protection standards such as ISO 27001,

Test simplicity - especially nowadays, a non-invasive test from the comfort of your home based on saliva collection with minimal logistics is the right solution,

Interpretation of results and recommendations - although these are medical tests, it is important for the customer to understand the interpretation of results and recommendations, without the inevitable need for consultation,

Global clinical trials - testing markers/genes with only scientifically proven effects on specific areas of the body and health for which there are sufficient reliable evidence and good quality scientific research,

Credibility - publishing peer-reviewed studies in top scientific and medical journals.

 

Why is the Slovak brand DNA4FIT of a world class

We believe that DNA tests must put quality, reliability, clarity and the possibility to consult the results first. Whole genome sequencing (WGS), which we use at DNA4FIT, is the process of identifying the highest possible number of relevant genetic variants in an individual's genetic code at one time.

Our analyses are carried out in state-of-the-art certified European laboratories in the UK, Sweden and Croatia, under the supervision of top experts in medicine, genetics, biotechnology, nutrigenomics, biochemistry and informatics, according to the world's highest quality and safety standards (ISO 27001).

The genes we analyse have a scientifically proven effect on your body and are supported by sufficiently reliable evidence and quality scientific research. This means that all of our DNA tests are based on world-class clinical studies.

Peer-reviewed studies are published in top scientific and medical journals such as The Lancet, Nature, Science, JAMA and more, giving our tests unquestionable credibility. We always cite scientific sources in the final section in our DNA analysis results.

Part of DNA analysis is also personal diet program according to DNA results. Interpretation of results, instructions for understanding individual DNA analysis and recommendations are understandable for more than 95% of our customers and do not require further consultation. Nevertheless, we have at our disposal a selection of experts and consultants from various fields of medicine, health care and nutrition. More than 75% of our customers change their lifestyle in a significant way based on the results of the DNA analysis and thus take the first step towards taking responsibility for their health as well as the first step on the way to personal precise health care.

 

Advanced method, easy sampling

The science behind a WGS DNA home test can be complicated, but your part of the process is simple. We only need a saliva sample to analyze the whole genome. When you order our DNA test , you will receive a saliva collection kit with detailed instructions for collecting a DNA sample. Then the only thing left is to submit the sample and wait for the results!

Sources used:

The complete sequence of a human genome (biorxiv.org) 2021

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