Genetic testing FAQs for nib customers

The scan is based on DNA extracted from an individual’s saliva sample. Participants can provide the sample by using a home collection kit. No blood sample is required.

The genetic analysis is conducted using technology from a government-certified laboratory.

The genetic scan screens for genes to increase the likelihood of developing:

Navigenics also includes personalized genetic information for your responses to specific medications, including your risk of side effects or the drug's effectiveness for you. At this time, the analysis includes the following medications:

Throughout the year, Navigenics will provide you with ongoing, secure, personalised risk assessments as new insights into genetic risk are made – adding new condition predispositions, new genetic markers and updated wellness strategies. This Navigenics subscription begins at the point when results are provided and can be renewed annually.

Our board-certified Genetic Counsellors are healthcare professionals trained to help people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and family implications of genetic contributions to disease.

Yes. As an nib customer you receive free genetic counselling for the first 12 months. If you would like to schedule an appointment with a Genetic Counsellor once you have your results, please contact us at +61-240134021. We will arrange a time that is convenient for you.

Genetic scan results with participant identification, as well as personalised risk assessments, will be provided on a secure, encrypted, password-protected Navigenics website and will be available only to the participant. Whether you enroll is entirely up to you and results are completely confidential and will not be shared with nib.

We have built in automated technology as well as operational practices, applying the most current technology to protect your information. We operate consistent with the United States’ HIPAA practices and build them into our infrastructure. We have multiple levels of security to deter external access to personal information, and our staff comes from leading companies that have set the standards for data security in a number of industries. All customers must provide authenticating information when they call Member Service.

Navigenics provides your genetic test results to you directly; you decide with whom you share them. Should you decide to share them with your doctor, this may result in the information becoming part of your permanent medical record and being shared with your insurance company. Discuss this concern with your doctor and agree on an approach that's comfortable for both of you. Ask your doctor whether you can speak more generally about the health conditions that concern you, for example, without referring to your actual genetic report or having a copy of it placed in your doctor’s files. You may be required to disclose genetic test results (including any underlying health risks and conditions which the test results reveal) to insurance providers (e.g. providers of life insurance or other insurance) and superannuation providers now or in the future.

Unless compelled by a law or court order, Navigenics will not share your personally identifiable genetic information without your permission. In the unlikely event that Navigenics becomes legally required to disclose any of your personally identifiable information (as might be required to satisfy a court order or subpoena), we will use reasonable and lawful efforts to limit the scope of any such disclosure. We will also make every attempt to notify you in advance if we are legally permitted to do so. At a later date, you may be asked by insurers to disclose your own results in future applications for certain types of health-related insurance, such as life insurance. Failure to disclose such information could result in denial of your insurance application or later denial of payment of a claim by some types of insurers.

We use the latest in data encryption technology and data security processes to ensure your data is safe. Beyond this, it is imperative that you not share your member name or password with anyone.

Enrollment takes place online via a secure website created exclusively for nib customers at www.navigenics.com/partners/nib_customers. Once enrolled, you will provide a personal saliva sample, from which your DNA will be tested.

For a limited time, nib customers can purchase this test for $499 USD, which is about $550 AUD. That’s a saving of $500 USD. This limited time offer ends May 31, 2010.

Payment is taken by credit card via the Navigenics secure website.