DNAcheckup Launches New Website Featuring Online Ordering of Physician-Ordered, Personalized Genetic Testing for Families Affected by Recessive Genetic Disorders
NOVATO, Calif., Nov. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- DNAcheckup today announced the launch of their new website www.dnacheckup.org, which allows family members of already genetically diagnosed patients with recessive genetic disorders to order personalized genetic tests from the convenience and privacy of their own home.
Who Should Be Tested?
According to the National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD), there are over 7,000 rare disorders. One in 10 people are affected by a rare disorder, representing over 30 million people just in United States. 80% of these rare disorders are genetic in origin, which means that there are many more millions of carriers, who are family members which carry one genetic mutation but are not affected by the rare genetic disorder. Only 5% of rare disorders have an FDA-approved treatment, which are usually lifelong therapies and not cures. Because of successes in fertility technologies, such as in vitro fertilization and egg/sperm donorship, knowing your carrier status can help reduce or eliminate the propagation of rare genetic disorders to future generations.
How Does the Test Work?
A potential carrier will be able to order a saliva collection kit and request an online doctor's prescription for the genetic testing of the mutations found in their affected family member. Once the CLIA-certified clinical laboratory completes the test, the doctor and the potential carrier will receive a report reflecting one of two potential results: (1) carrier of one mutation (and generally do not have the genetic disorder, but may pass the mutation down to their children); or (2) zero mutations (and unlikely to pass down the genetic disorder).
The current cost of the test is $200 per participant. DNAcheckup is a non-profit and will work with patient advocacy groups and other potential funding sources to help participants cover a portion or all of the testing costs. In addition to the test, a follow-up family genetic counseling session will be available at the participant's option for a separate fee.
According to Artem Zykovich, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of DNAcheckup, "we want to help families affected by genetic disorders by testing their carrier status so they can make informed family planning decisions, such as the use of in vitro fertilization, which may eliminate devastating rare genetic disorders in the future. We are excited to be able to provide this personalized genetic testing at a low cost."
In order to keep the test costs low, DNAcheckup is seeking both financial and volunteer support.
About DNAcheckup
DNAcheckup is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Novato, California, with a mission to provide free or low-cost genetic testing for families affected by recessive genetic disorders. Understanding one's carrier status can prevent mutation propagation through such methods as in vitro fertilization, improving the quality of life of future generations.
Donate
https://www.dnacheckup.org/donate/
Contact
Artem Zykovich
415-506-7180
183040@email4pr.com
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SOURCE DNAcheckup
