Pathway Genomics

Pathway Genomics Product Information

The Pathway Genomics Insight genetic testing kit is currently only available through physicians. If you are interested in obtaining genetic information for a variety of reasons you can ask your doctor to order a kit for you and provide you with a tool for collecting your saliva.

You then follow the instructions for obtaining and sending your saliva sample to the Pathway Genomics lab. You must then go online to www.pathway.com/activate to set up your private account and pay the lab processing fees.

You must also complete a short lifestyle survey at that time. Once your information has been submitted Pathway Genomics will get started analyzing your saliva sample to extract your DNA and test it to gain the genetic information you have requested. 

You will receive a report with this information in a few weeks that is sent to your physician who can discuss it with you. If your physician authorizes it, the report can be made available directly to you through the website by accessing your account.

Pathway Genomics Customers

Anyone over the age of 18 can request an Insight genetic testing kit through their doctor. Therefore, customers may be anyone who would like more information about their genetic makeup.

This may include people who have a family history of certain diseases, people who have questions while planning a family, people who have been adopted and have questions about their biological genetic history, and people who want to know more about how their body will respond to a certain diet and exercise regimen.

Pathway Genomics Reports

Pathway Genomics offers its customers several options of Insight genetic reports they can request depending on their needs and how much information they are seeking. Any DNA that is extracted through the testing process is kept in a “DNA Lockbox” for the DNA retention time required by law so if you decide at a later date that you want additional information you can order other reports when you wish.

The Insight report options include:

• Pathway Fit Report – how your genes influence your body’s response to diet and exercise
• Drug Response Insight – helps to identify medications that may be either helpful or harmful for you in treating various ailments
• Health Conditions Insight – helps you to learn if you have an increased risk for conditions and diseases such as obesity, certain types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
• Pathway’s Genetic Insights – provides you with the story of your genes
• Pre-Pregnancy Planning Insight – helps you to identify diseases that you may be a carrier for and could possibly pass on to your children

Pathway Genomics Product Pros and Cons

Pathway Genomics’ genetic reports have created some controversy since they began being marketed. Last spring, Pathway Genomics tried to sell the Insight kits over the counter and signed with the major pharmacy chain Walgreen’s to market them.

The FDA became involved stating that the kits did not have FDA approval and could not be distributed over the counter. Walgreens then called off the deal.

On the pro side Pathway Genomics does offer customers an easy route to gaining genetic information that they may seek. This information could lead to early detection of certain diseases or data that may help in treating those diseases.

They state that they keep your genetic information highly confidential and will not release this information to anyone besides you and your doctor.

Pathway Genomics and the GINA

In 2008, Congress passed the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) which prohibits insurance companies from denying you coverage or raising your rates based solely on genetic information. This does not; however, mean that insurance companies must cover the cost of genetic testing.

If your insurance company does not cover the cost of the genetic reports and processing fees you may end up paying a lot of money out of pocket.

Another concern with any sort of genetic information report is the fact that the information just shows you what you may be at risk for.  It is not an indicator of your current fitness level.

Pathway Genomics and the Value of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is by no means a definitive diagnosis.  Many lifestyle factors such as nutrition and exercise also will impact your risk of contracting a disease.

Genetic testing may cause some unnecessary concerns to arise.  People may make significant life altering decisions, such as whether or not to have children, based on the information provided by a company that is relatively new and controversial.

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