How does myGeneticScreen work?
09.JAN.2024
Written by Anna Sanniti
Reviewed by Wendi Gill, CGC
The myGeneticScreen genetic test by LetsGetChecked identifies genetic variants in 11 genes associated with three hereditary conditions. These hereditary conditions are Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome, Lynch Syndrome, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia. This test enables your provider to understand your risk of these conditions.
Anyone curious about their genetics can take the test to learn more about their risk of developing these diseases.
In this article, we will discuss:
How does the process work?
Who is this test for?
Which inherited conditions does myGeneticScreen look for?
The basics of the testing procedure
What happens to the test sample
How does the process work?
You will receive a saliva sample collection kit through the mail to your home address.
The kit will contain everything you need, including a special tube to collect your saliva sample.
Once you have collected your sample you should mail it back as soon as possible using the prepaid label provided.
DNA will be extracted from cells in your saliva sample and analyzed by the lab.
If you receive a positive result, a member of the LetsGetChecked team will contact you through a phone call before your results are released. Your private lab results will be released to your password-protected LetsGetChecked account.
You can request a call from a member of our clinical team or schedule a genetic counseling session. Our genetic counselors can help you understand your results and next steps.
Who is this test for?
This test is for individuals who do not have a significant personal or family history of these three conditions (“average risk”). Individuals who have a significant personal or family history of one of these conditions (“high risk”) should seek appropriate testing with their healthcare provider. In high-risk individuals, this test may miss a disease-causing genetic variant. If you have a significant personal or family history of cancer or cardiovascular disease, then this may not be the right test for you. A pre-test counseling session with a member of the LetsGetChecked team can help identify if this test is appropriate for you. If you have received a stem cell, liver, or bone marrow transplant in the past, this test is not suitable for you. This is because the test may sequence some DNA from your donor, and the results will not be accurate. It is recommended that you wait until 4 months after chemotherapy and 6 weeks after a blood transfusion before collecting your sample.
Read our FAQs about myGeneticScreen back on the hub to learn more about who this test is suitable for.
Which inherited conditions does myGeneticScreen look for?
Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome is a genetic hereditary condition that increases the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers due to genetic changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
Lynch Syndrome
Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome that increases a person’s risk of developing colorectal, endometrial, and other cancers. It has also been called hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC).
Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited disorder that can increase the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is thought of as “bad” cholesterol. This is because it contributes to the creation and build-up of plaques. This can cause blood vessels to narrow and make them less flexible. This lifelong exposure to high cholesterol leads to a higher risk of heart attacks at an early age. Early detection and prevention can improve health outcomes.
What happens to my sample?
Once you have sent off your sample and it has been received in the laboratory, your DNA will be extracted from cells within your sample. The test will only look for variants found in genes within the gene panel. The myGeneticScreen test will only look for genetic variants found in 11 genes within the gene panel. These genes include BRCA1, BRCA2, MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, EPCAM, LDLR, APOB, PCSK9, LDLRAP1
Our healthcare team will provide a detailed report containing your results. You will receive this report within 15-20 business days. Any positive variants will be highlighted – you should discuss these results with your doctor and counselor as soon as possible.
You can request a call from a member of our clinical team or schedule a counseling session with one of our counselors if you would like to ask questions and understand actionable next steps to take.
As your DNA sequence does not change, these results will be relevant to you for life. For more information on what a positive or negative result means, you can visit our website. You will also receive a sheet with additional information.
Let’s recap
The myGeneticScreen genetic test will look for genetic variants in 11 genes that are associated with three hereditary conditions, using DNA extracted from cells in saliva.
You will receive your sample collection kit through the mail. The kit will contain everything you need to collect and return your sample to the laboratory.
You will receive a report with your results within 15-20 business days. You should discuss this with your healthcare provider and counselor as soon as possible.