4.1) Testing your DNA

As with other products, you should use a reputable and well-established genetic testing company. With a certified laboratory in North America, good company background and customer reviews. This helps to ensure a valuable product is delivered.

This information should be evaluated by you the genetic testing certified personal trainer and delivered to your clients. Protect your clients by ensuring the genetic test chosen is reputable and providing these considerations for genetic testing to your clients, you establish credibility as being knowledgeable in this area and this further supports your do-no-harm relationship with your clients. 

The PTBA is in partnership with and recommends dnaPower for your diet, fitness and health genetic testing needs (www.dnapower.com/ref/PTBA). dnaPower has been providing personalized genetic testing for health and wellness since 2008. This company was one of the first in the world doing DNA health testing. They saw enormous potential for new DNA technology to help support people’s health and wellness, particularly in the areas of diet and fitness. dnaPower is a pioneer in applying leading edge gene research to develop targeted gene panels. 

The following information is important to consider in genetic testing. Some of the comments relate specifically to the DNA testing process through dnaPower as that process is verified and known. 

Laboratory qualifications

Most genetic labs operate to a high standard. It is important to use a reputable, certified lab to ensure the genetic tests are valid and accurate and the results produced are accurate. Choose a laboratory that offers a 99%+ accurate allele call. The laboratory should meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified operating standards under current Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP) guidelines with good data privacy policies. These qualifications ensure labs meet the rigorous standards necessary for DNA/RNA analysis and quality data. 

dnaPower’s lab offers state-of-the-art testing technologies including MassARRAY® System by Agena Bioscience and custom software to identify and assess hundreds of targeted genetic markers involved in essential biological processes.

Your privacy

DNA samples are managed and stored by bar code to preserve your privacy. Your DNA sample is marked with a unique kit ID or barcode and does not include any of your identifying personal information. Each DNA sample is destroyed by the lab after successful analysis. The genetic results are securely stored in the company’s database under double levels of encryption.

It is important to learn whether your DNA testing company is in the business of selling data.  This is the case with many large ancestry and other DNA companies. 

PTBA selected dnaPower as they are NOT in the business of selling data. They are in the business of helping people live a healthier life using personalized, science-based information. Your data is safe. Your information is also never disclosed to third parties, such as insurance companies or medical agencies (unless requested by you). 

dnaPower uses the latest standards in privacy and encryption. Your information is kept strictly confidential. Samples are managed and stored by barcode to preserve privacy. Your DNA is retained for a short while in case you wish to order an additional test. After that all DNA is then disposed of following regulatory standards.

The genetic tests offered

Different companies may use custom SNP panels or large general panels to collect the data needed. Many use the generalized panels and build what they can from that. They also use single SNP data to assess a genetic risk which may not provide a full picture. 

dnaPower uses custom SNP panels to target the key information needed to produce high quality reports. They also use polygenic scores – the best combination of SNPs to help determine if there is a genetic risk. These custom panels set them apart from competitors who tend to build off of existing SNP panels that were not designed to test for diet, fitness and health specifically. 

Polygenic scores combine the predictive power – analyzing a group of genes, not just one gene. Research has shown that while a single genetic variant will have little effect, a set of these variants taken together can better predict differences in traits (Guilherme et al., 2014). 

dnaPower then uses nutrition, fitness and health research and expert advice to create a high impact action plan. This includes 70+ carefully selected test areas that have the most impact on day to day health and over 1200 scientific research papers to identify gene traits.

dnaPower provides in-depth information on their specific tests and sample reports are available (see appendix). They offer all of the test categories outlined in this course. Further the company has professionals in the diet, fitness and health areas that they test for. The company offers consultations or help in reviewing reports. dnaPower has been providing personalized testing and professional support to help people like you and your clients make better, data driven decisions about their health. They have years of experience applying this knowledge to help you take proactive and positive action for your unique body. 

Genetic non-discrimination laws

Genetic discrimination: When an employer or insurance company uses the results of a person’s genetic test to make decisions about employment, coverage or benefits.

Genetic non-discrimination laws protect individuals from health insurance discrimination, as well as from current or future employers using that information to make employment decisions. When an employer or insurance company uses the results of a person’s genetic test results to make decisions about employment, coverage, or benefits, it is known as genetic discrimination

As of 2008, individuals in the United States are protected through The Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA). This law protects an individual from health insurance discrimination and from employers using that information to make employment decisions. This means a person has less risk when conducting a genetic test because it can’t affect outside decisions like employment or insurance. 

In Canada, The Genetic Non-Discrimination Act (GNDA), or Bill S-201, was passed into law in 2017. This bill, along with amendments in the Canadian Labour Code and the Canadian Human Rights Act, prohibits companies and employers from requiring genetic testing or the results of genetic tests. It also prevents companies from denying services based the results of genetic tests.

These laws are important because without legislation, results of genetic testing could limit a person’s ability to receive life or disability insurance or raise insurance premiums for those whose tests reveal they have risk for developing medical conditions. 

It is important to note that the testing used through PTBA is based on common genetic variations that affect day to day health – not on rare or unusual genetic conditions. There should not be reason for alarm, worry or concern from your clients as to what they may learn in their results. The focus is on ways to achieve better health.