Yes, we can process blood samples for our personal genomics products. However, most clients prefer to use our buccal swab kits as they are non invasive and easier to ship. Both sample types work well for analysis, provided the sample collected is adequate. Buccal swabs need to be submitted as per the instructions within the kit. Blood samples require at least 2-3 ml. In case an inadequate sample is submitted, the client will be notified on priority.

Every step of the sample processing happens in India, at our own full time laboratory. We have trained personnel who are dedicated to Mapmygenome and its products.

Yes this is possible. After collection of the sample, it can be stored at ambient temperatures and does not require special packaging. Ensure the lid of the tube is screwed on tightly to avoid drying out of the swab.

There are several steps in the process

• Plausibility check for buccal swab sample
• DNA extraction and quality checks
• Genotyping (which is the process of reading your DNA code) and data generation
• Data review and quality checks
• Analysis and reports
• Genetic counselling and personalised recommendations/action plans

We screen your genetic data for the presence of “markers” in your DNA - which are single letter variations - to calculate your lifestyle disease risk, predisposition to traits, drug response, etc. We have developed a robust algorithm which is used for analysis, based on genetic markers present in your DNA sample.
These single letter variations are known as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms or SNPs.

We take a very stringent approach to select our panel of SNPs. We only consider SNPs with proven association for any particular condition, replicated in many case-control studies, including multiple ethnicities. We include Indian-specific data wherever it is present and only if it passes our selection criteria. We are also building an ‘Indian-specific condition associated biomarker database’ through our research efforts, which will continuously feed our services.

We have built a database using over 20 years of our bioinformatics experience and by curating data from international journals and scientific literature. While we have tried to include as many conditions as possible to increase the value of the reports, we have focused on markers that have been validated and are suitable for the Indian population, especially for Type 2 diabetes, obesity, clopidogrel response and so on.

Mutations or variations in genetic material are very less likely to develop over the years. From the time you were screened for certain markers, only if you have been subjected over a long period of time to drastic environmental changes or occupational/lifestyle habits that are harmful, you can wish to re-submit the sample and be analyzed again. Otherwise, the odds of genotype changes are low.

Your report is updated regularly in accordance to current research and databases registered worldwide. Once you sign up, you will receive free updates for a whole year, as and when we add new conditions or upgrade to a different database. A fresh sample is not required.

If you are already susceptible to a particular disease or are being treated for the same, you can understand your body’s tolerance and toxicity towards certain drugs, which affects therapy you are currently undergoing. Your report will also illuminate your carrier status for some diseases and thereby the probability of passing on the same to your children.

No, having a high genetic risk does not imply that you will get the disease. For a disease to have a clinical manifestation, there are several other influencing factors such as familial history, lifestyle, clinical history and exposure to environmental factors.

We use the services of Ocimum Biosolutions that hold several patents in this space. The lab is already ISO and NABL certified. We also have CE-certified products from our lab.

Yes, Mapmygenome uses the services of Ocimum Biosolutions. Ocimum Biosolutions has ISO 9001:2010 and ISO 13485:2012 certification. The lab is already ISO and NABL certified. We also have CE-certified products from our lab.

Ancestry information is reported by genotyping the mitochondrial and Y DNA sequences. Since there is a certain level of accuracy required for a large number of genetic markers, we currently provide this service for our Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) customers only.

One of the most important things is to ensure that we use statistically significant markers. That involves removing those mutations that do not follow our quality cut off criteria like size of study, P values, odd ratio etc. In order for a study to be relevant, we check on these parameters to ensure that there is a correct correlation with disease.

Mapmygenome has several trademarks filed and holds a patent for the proprietary in-house developed risk assessment algorithm - “SNaPpy”. Mapmygenome together with its parent company Ocimum Biosolutions, jointly holds over 60 patents (as on 1st October 2019).

Yes, absolutely! Every sample registered at Mapmygenome is deidentified of personal information, before being sent to the lab. We use a secure LIMS for lab processing, data analysis and report generation. At all stages in the process, client information and their data is kept secure by restricted access and similar protocols.

When you register with Mapmygenome (for the first time), you will be asked to provide your consent to your DNA sample (and data) to be included for research. If you do not wish us to include your data, simply "opt-out" of the same by selecting that option in the consent form.