RESOURCES
FAQ
The Basics
Genome sequencing reads the complete DNA sequence that makes you uniquely you. It around 3 billion base pairs of genetic code. That code contains information about inherited traits, disease predispositions, how your body processes certain medications, and much more. Think of it as reading the instruction manual your body came with. Once sequenced, your genome doesn’t change, which is why a single sequencing event can serve you for life as science evolves.
Depending on the analyses you choose, your genome can provide insights across a range of areas, including hereditary disease risk (such as certain cancers or heart conditions), carrier status for inherited conditions, pharmacogenomics (how your body is likely to respond to specific medications), nutritional tendencies, ancestry, and more. We offer a growing library of analyses and can run any assessment you request, now or in the future as new science becomes available.
Consumer ancestry and wellness kits typically use genotyping. This means they read only a small fraction (usually less than 0.1%) of your genome at specific known positions. Whole genome sequencing reads everything. That means far greater completeness, clinical-grade accuracy, and the ability to detect variants that genotyping panels would miss entirely. It also means your data remains useful for new analyses as genomic science advances, because we capture and store the full picture from the start.
Sample Collection & Sequencing
We use dried blood spot (DBS) cards, the same technology used in newborn screening programmes worldwide. You receive a kit by post, apply a few drops of blood from a simple finger-prick at home, allow the card to dry, and return it in the pre-paid packaging. No clinic visit, no nurse appointment, no courier. Most people find it straightforward; full instructions are included and our team is available if you have questions.
We sequence primarily within Europe, using accredited laboratory partners. This keeps your sample within robust regulatory frameworks and means it does not leave European jurisdiction. We are transparent about our laboratory partners and happy to share details on request.
After your sample arrives at the laboratory, whole genome sequencing typically takes about 30days. We will keep you informed at each stage. Once your genome data is ready, your results are presented to you through a dedicated consultation, we do not simply deliver a report and leave you to interpret it alone.
Data & Privacy
You do. Full stop. Your genome belongs to you, and we operate on that principle in everything we do. You can request a complete download of your raw genome data at any time. We actively support and encourage this. We believe every individual has the right to hold their own genetic information, and we will never create barriers to accessing it.
We store your genome data indefinitely, because genomic science moves fast, and analyses that are not possible today may become available and valuable to you in future years. Retaining your data means you can benefit from new discoveries without being sequenced again. At any point, if you wish your data to be deleted, we will do so promptly and completely, with no questions asked.
Never, without your explicit consent. We will not sell your data to third parties. Ever. We will not use your data in any research programme unless you have actively chosen to participate and given clear informed consent. Your genome is not a commercial asset for us; it is your personal health data and we treat it accordingly.
Yes, and we are working to make this as straightforward as possible. We provide a full download service for your raw sequencing data. You can use this with third-party interpretation tools, share it with your own clinicians, or simply keep it as a personal record. We think this is your fundamental right and we support it without restriction.
Your genomic data is stored securely with encryption at rest and in transit, access controls, and audit logging. We comply with GDPR and applicable data protection regulations. We do not take security lightly. Your genome is uniquely identifying information and we treat its protection accordingly. We are happy to share the details of our security practices on request.
Results & Consultation
Every assessment is presented through a personal consultation. We do not send reports for you to interpret alone. Genomic results can be nuanced, and context is everything. A variant that sounds alarming might carry modest real-world risk, while a subtle finding might warrant real attention. We make sure you leave each consultation with a clear, accurate, and actionable understanding of what your results actually mean for you. Once you have had your consultation, we will release your reports to you, which can be accessed through our personal genome portal.
Because we store your genome data indefinitely, you can request new analyses at any time, without providing another sample. As genomic science advances and new assessments become available, you can benefit from them immediately. We can also run any bespoke analysis you request, whether that is exploring a specific gene, a medication interaction, or a newly published research finding relevant to your health.
We never present a significant finding without proper support and context. Our consultations are designed specifically to handle this. We will explain what a finding means clinically, what the evidence says, what the limitations are, and what appropriate next steps might look like, including referral to relevant specialists where needed. We believe in honesty, and we also believe honest information, properly contextualised, is empowering rather than frightening.
Yes. You are in control. Some people want a comprehensive picture; others prefer to focus on specific areas or opt out of certain categories of results, such as variants related to conditions with no current clinical intervention. We will discuss your preferences before any analysis and respect them fully. Informed choice is central to everything we do.
Genomic sequencing can be appropriate for children, though the decision warrants careful thought and we will always discuss it with you beforehand. There are contexts where sequencing a child carries clear clinical benefit, investigating a suspected hereditary condition, understanding medication responses, or identifying risk factors that allow for early intervention and monitoring. In these cases, early genomic insight can be genuinely valuable.
Where results would relate to conditions that only become relevant in adulthood and carry no actionable steps in childhood, we will be transparent about that and help you think through whether testing now is the right choice for your child. We do not believe in testing for its own sake. Every decision is made with the child’s best interests at the centre, and we will guide you through the considerations honestly.
We provide clinical, actionable results, not consumer wellness reports. If we find something significant in your genome, we do not simply flag it and move on. We work closely with genetic specialists and have established pathways to ensure that meaningful findings translate into appropriate next steps, whether that is a referral, further investigation, or a conversation with the right clinical team.
We actively encourage you to share your results with your GP and any specialists involved in your care. Genomic data is most powerful when it sits within your broader clinical picture, not in isolation. We can provide your results in a format suitable for sharing with other healthcare professionals, and our team is available to liaise directly with your clinical contacts where that would be helpful.
Think of us as adding a layer of precision to your existing healthcare, not replacing it.
