DNA Direct is committed to providing responsible, reliable genetic information services and access to testing. We have developed guidelines to enable our company to help consumers decide whether to pursue testing and to help them obtain value from testing.

Company Standards
Customer Guidelines

Company Standards

• Negotiate the best prices with CLIA-certified laboratories, and pass that savings on directly to customers.
• Charge only for DNA Direct's added-value services: pre-test education and consultation, physician authorization, test facilitation, test result interpretation, and support services.
• Provide full transparency about all pricing, especially on e-commerce pages.

• Select tests that are scientifically valid and supported by the medical and scientific literature, utilizing medical guidelines when available.
• Offer tests that are "actionable" (as defined by consumers), enabling consumers to use information obtained from genetic testing to make informed decisions about medical care and lifestyle choices.
• Responsibly broaden access to genetic testing for those consumers who are motivated to learn more about their genetic constitution.
• Guarantee quality control using state-of-the-art, validated testing procedures performed at CLIA-certified laboratories.

• According to medical guidelines, convey who can and cannot benefit from genetic testing for specific indications.
• Avoid exaggerated claims and over-hyping benefits of genetic testing.
• Avoid marketing tactics intended to instill consumer fear.
• Avoid marketing tactics that imply "genes are destiny."
• Provide transparency regarding funding sources and commercial partnerships, as appropriate.

• Present website materials in an easy-to-understand, user-friendly format to facilitate consumer comprehension of the following:  information about each medical condition; benefits, limitations, and possible uncertainties of test results; familial implications; potential financial and insurance considerations; and, the genetic testing process.
• In addition to proprietary content, provide secondary sources, independent references, subject experts, and literature resources.
• Reinforce that our services are not intended to create or replace existing patient-physician relationships.
• Obtain written informed consent to ensure that the consumer is aware of the risks, benefits, limitations, and potential consequences of testing.

• Encourage consumers to raise questions or concerns to board-certified experts at any point before, during, and after testing at no additional cost - either by phone or email.
• Allow the consumer time to consider testing or discuss testing options with people they trust (family, partner, friends, healthcare provider).

• Release Personalized Reports with abnormal test results before noon Monday through Thursday to ensure that DNA Direct's genetic experts are available to address customer questions and concerns.
• Provide accurate and informative test interpretation.
• Clearly explain each customer's risk "In Context" based on the genetic test results and the personal and family history provided.
• Discuss actions that can be taken based on test results as well as reliable resources, to facilitate further learning.
• Encourage consumers to responsibly integrate genetic testing information into medical and lifestyle decisions by directing them back to medical professionals.
• Provide documents specific to the consumer's test outcome that can be distributed to medical professionals.

• Protect consumer confidentiality and privacy by offering anonymous testing and establishing internal procedures to guarantee anonymity.
• Maintain a secure network and database - including internal and external firewalls and SSL (secure socket layer) encryption - to guarantee the privacy of all information obtained from consumers, including inquiries, test results, and financial transactions.
• Maintain compliance with Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA), Health on the Net (HON), and TrustE regulations.
• Provide in-depth, updated descriptions of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
• Prohibit distribution of consumer information to outside interests.
• Ensure that lab partners either destroy samples or remove all identifying information following testing as allowed by state regulations.

• Comply with state and federal regulations regarding genetic information and testing services, discrimination, and Internet commerce.
• Operate according to the standards and guidelines of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American College of Medical Genetics, using board-certified personnel under the supervision and authorization of a physician.
• Disclose the credentials of the professional staff behind our services.
• Enable consumers to terminate their relationship with DNA Direct at any point during the testing process.
• Continue to learn from our customers through confidential feedback surveys online or by telephone.
• Monitor our operations to identify problems and promptly resolve them on an ongoing basis.

Customer Guidelines

• Collect accurate personal medical and family health history information and any relevant medical information or records, such as positive genetic test results.
• Understand that information you provide about yourself and your family must be accurate for test results and interpretation to be informative.

• Review educational materials provided by DNA Direct (and other reliable resources) to learn more about specific genetic indications and testing options.
• Explore what actions you would take based on different test results, to improve your health and reduce your risk.
• Realize that your test results may be relevant to other family members.

• Understand that genetic test results determine how you metabolize certain types of drugs - not all drugs - and that currently there are not specific guidelines to specify exact drug dosages based on test results; therefore it is important to work closely with your physician(s).
• Be aware that some genetic test results may result in inconclusive information and therefore may not be interpretable.
• Remember that genetic information needs to be considered in light of various factors, not just genes, but "genes in context."

• Consider whether the timing is appropriate to test you or your family.
• Explore whether you have an adequate support network to help you through the testing process and coping with results.
• Consider how you will share test results with medical team and your relatives.
• Consider how you will pay for testing and check with your insurance company ahead of time if you wish to submit for reimbursement.
• Investigate whether test results might impact your insurance coverage (health, life, disability) or employment.

• Contact us at no cost if you have questions about the testing process or whether testing is right for you and your family.
• Remain in touch with DNA Direct and your healthcare provider for updated information.