Conditions we cover

Navigenics scans your DNA for genetic risk markers associated with both common and uncommon health conditions

Conditions in our genetic tests

We currently offer two genetic testing options. Each includes a different number of health conditions.

Health Compass is our most extensive genetic testing service and includes genetic testing for all conditions that have met our rigorous standards, as well as ongoing updates.

Annual Insight offers a snapshot of your genetic predisposition to 10 common health conditions.

How we choose

We use rigorous standards for deciding which health conditions to include in your genetic test, and we focus on conditions that you can do something about. To be added to our genetic testing services, a health condition and the science behind it must meet strict guidelines:

• The condition has to be medically relevant.
• The condition must be one that you or your doctor can act on: to delay its onset, detect it early, treat it promptly, reduce its effects – or prevent it entirely.
• Research findings from multiple well-designed studies have to show consistent, reliable, and significant association between a genetic marker and a health condition.

As a result, fewer than 5 in 100 of the links between genes and conditions reported in scientific research are accepted for our genetic tests.

For instance, here are some of the traits and conditions our genetic tests do not presently assess:

• Brain cancer. While many candidate genes have been studied over the years, more research is needed on the genetic risk markers for brain tumors before they meet our standards for inclusion in our genetic testing services.
• Schizophrenia. Recent research into the genetic risk markers for this mental illness has yielded inconsistent results.
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Some scientists think there are many biological pathways that lead to the disease – making a scan for genetic risk markers much more challenging. Several such studies have been carried out, with inconsistent results, and currently there is nothing that can be done to prevent this progressive disease.