10) How to Interpret a Genetic Testing Report & 10.1) Preparing for the Report Review
Now that you understand the main elements and content of the genetic testing report, you can learn how to interpret it for yourself or a client. In this chapter you will learn how to critically analyze a report and lead a discussion to help someone use genetic testing to take power over their health.
Learning objectives:
- Understand how to prepare for a genetic testing report review.
- Learn how to interpret the reports.
- Learn how to conduct the report review.
10.1) Preparing for the Report Review
The overall goal of the report review is to help the client identify areas based on their genetics that can positively support their health. You are helping them to practice personalized, proactive health. You will want to:
- Ensure they understand how to read the report and what the report tells them
- Use the science to help support the reasoning and motivation to create a positive behavior change.
- Help them set attainable health goals.
- Leave them feeling empowered and excited by the information they have received.
The genetic testing reports provide a large amount of information – the Diet Report alone is over 60 pages! This can often feel overwhelming when individuals first receive their results. Report consultations are a great way to help clients get the most value from their reports. This is one of the important services you can offer as an IFPA Genetic Diet, Fitness and Health Specialist.
Summary Report
To prepare for the review, start by scanning the Summary Report. Overall, the reports are generally about 30% red as these are common variations in the population and well studied. Remember red is not bad. It is the percentage of their SNPs that have variations. It is a predisposition. It does not mean that there is an issue – it is simply a clue as to where there could be risk.
Look for the areas that are 50% red or more. Any area that is 50% red or more will automatically produce a recommendation in the Action Plan. Build a picture in your mind of what this may mean for the health of this person. Help the client identify the 3-10 things that they can do to improve their health.
Diet, Fitness, Brain and Health Reports
Move into the more detailed Diet Report. These reports have the foundational information about macro and micro nutrients and lifestyle that people can act on. Then review the Health Report which includes the background health processes, then the Fitness Report to learn how you can further personalize their training program, and finally Mental Wellness Report to see if there are other areas that can support long-term mental health.
Your Action Plan
In each report scan the action plan to see what recommendations are being suggested. There are often patterns throughout the different reports. Remember to defer to the Action Plan to provide guidance to your client on what they can do to support their body. This section is designed to clarify and simply the recommendations and give them practical steps they can take. Suggest to the client that they print out the Summary Report or Action Plan pages to have them at hand to remind themselves of the most important actions for them. Use the Action Plan pages to inspire a fresh grocery list and to tweak your fitness program plan.
Your Genetic Profile
NOTE: This is an advanced step.
After you have reviewed the summary reports, it is can be helpful to scan the Genetic Profile and the Genotypes at the back of the individual reports. Look for specific genes that are Poor – sometimes there can be one troublesome gene that creates a problem even though the test area result is under 50% red.
There are spreadsheets available on the www.dnapower.com/ref/IFPA site with detailed gene specific information. There is a separate document for each of the Diet, Fitness, Health, and Mental Wellness Reports. Each gene, the frequency it occurs in the population, and a short description of the research related to that gene is available. You can look up each individual gene and variation if you wish to dig deeper.
On these spreadsheets you can look at the frequency of each variation. If the frequency of a genotype is high, it indicates that it is common in the population. If the frequency of a genotype is low, it is less common.
For example:
If in Carbohydrates, ABCC9 is listed as TT Poor, you can look up more detail on it in the genotype spreadsheet.
It may take some time before you are ready to dive into this specific gene detail. It is used more often by health professionals, and other individuals who are looking to find answers to underlying causes of chronic health issues.
The information is designed so that the key information used to make recommendations can be found by looking at the Summary Report. Generally, a client should learn the key information they need from the Summary Graphs and Recommendations. The Summary provides plenty of information to integrate into your diet and fitness plan to use to increase client wellness.