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FAQ

  • 1. General information on Gene Express genetic services
    • What is Gene Express?

      Gene Express (GE) is the leading provider of personalised preventive healthcare that offers you hyper-personalised nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle recommendations (delivered via a mobile phone app) based on the contents or variations (called SNPs) present in some of your important genes for diet, fitness, and genetic predisposition to certain health conditions.

      GE has an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 equivalent specialist laboratory where its scientists operate competently to generate high quality and valid results. GE laboratory will extract DNA from your saliva sample and process it with a special DNA chip to identify and characterise about 1,000 relevant SNPs, which will then be professionally analysed by a collaborating company, a global leader in unlocking the secrets in your DNA through SNP profiling.

      You will be presented with your SNP results, their implications, and detailed personalised recommendations (delivered via a mobile phone app) tailored to your SNP profile, so that you are empowered to take guided informed actions to stay healthy, improve your health and wellbeing, and reduce health risks. Hence, GE is here to help you to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life, based on some of your gene contents.

    • How is Gene Express different from other providers of genetic service?

      Gene Express laboratory
      Gene Express is unique in Malaysia because it has an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 equivalent specialist laboratory that uses the state-of-the-art Illumina Infinium HTS assay and a special DNA chip to identify and characterise SNPs in human DNA. GE’s laboratory facilities and the entire processes from DNA extraction to SNP genotyping using the Illumina Infinium HTS assay are currently being audited to achieve ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation.

      GE laboratory is managed by a highly experienced and skilled scientific team helmed by Dr Koh Chong Lek, PhD, FASc, the renowned pioneer in molecular genetics in Malaysia.

      Confidentiality
      Your saliva sample and extracted DNA sample are identified by a unique barcode. They remain anonymous in our client data. DNA is extracted and your SNP profile is determined at our own on-site specialist laboratory. Your information is kept confidential at all times.

      Precise and relevant reporting
      Each SNP that we test requires at least five peer-reviewed scientific white papers, published in leading journals, supporting the nutrigenomics, fitness, or health conclusions before we incorporate it into our algorithms to provide a more accurate and relevant recommendation.

      Easy to use mobile app
      You will be presented with your SNP results, their implications, and detailed personalised recommendations (delivered via a mobile phone app) tailored to your SNP profile, so that you are empowered to take guided informed actions to stay healthy, improve your health and wellbeing, and reduce health risks. The recommendations will include detailed recipes and fitness plan personalised to your SNP profile.

    • What are DNA, gene, and genome?

      DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the hereditary or genetic material in our cells. It is the blueprint of life that stores and provides instructions for cells to grow, function, respond to their environment, and reproduce. A DNA molecule consists of two long strands or chains that coil around each other to form a double helix or double-stranded helix. Each strand contains four building blocks (nucleotides or bases) named A, C, G, and T, strung together in different combinations like beads in a necklace (e.g., AAACGGGTTATTTAG….. or CCAGGGTAATTCGA……). These four letters form the alphabet for the instructions for all life on Earth, i.e., the language of life. This linear order or sequence of nucleotides or bases (e.g., AAACGGGTTATTTAG…..) along a DNA strand is referred to as DNA sequence. If a DNA sequence contains or encodes a genetic message, it constitutes a gene. There are many genes along a DNA strand.

      Often, a gene comprises a specific DNA sequence that contains instructions for making a protein via the gene expression process. Proteins are important nutrients but they are also our body’s worker molecules, such as enzymes, hormones, muscles, antibodies, collagen, etc. They are necessary for virtually every activity in our bodies. Genes, through the proteins that they code, determine all the genetic traits that a person has, e.g., hair and eye colours. In addition, there are DNA sequences that serve to regulate gene activities, i.e., switch on or switch off gene expression, resulting in protein synthesis or blocking of protein synthesis.

      A genome is an organism’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes. It provides all of the information the organism requires to function. A multicellular organism’s genome is the complete set of DNA present in each of its cells.

    • What is single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)?

      SNP (pronounced as “snip”) stands for single nucleotide polymorphism. (Plural: SNPs = single nucleotide polymorphisms.) It is defined as a specific location along a DNA sequence where a nucleotide or base variant occurs (i.e., where a nucleotide is replaced with another nucleotide, e.g., A is replaced with C, G, or T). The alternative nucleotides or bases are also referred to as alleles (e.g., allele A, allele C, allele G, or allele T). These variants are useful biological markers in helping researchers to identify changes in genes and increased risks of health problems, determine a person’s genetic predisposition to certain health conditions, and assess any nutrient deficiency or responses to treatments.

    • How safe is my personal data?

      Gene Express is fully committed to protecting the integrity, privacy, security, and confidentiality of your personal data and SNP profile information. Your saliva sample and extracted DNA sample are identified by a unique barcode. They remain anonymous in our client data. We have established stringent procedures to prevent the loss, misuse, or alteration of all personal data in our care. All Gene Express staff members adhere to our internal code of conduct which, among other security measures, ensures that your data can only be accessed by authorised personnel. Your personal data will never be shared with a third party without your consent.

    • Is there an age restriction? Can anyone try the genetic services that are offered?

      Gene Express genetic services are suitable for everyone. However, saliva samples of those under the age of 18 years must be submitted with the specific consent of a parent or guardian.

    • If I would like to try any of the genetic services in the future, am I required to take another saliva test?

      No, within five (5) years of your first saliva sample collection, Gene Express will not need to collect another saliva sample from you. Your DNA extracted from your first saliva sample remains stable for at least five (5) years at 4°C and can be used to carry out the additional one or more genetic services.

    • Can I still try any of the genetic services offered if I am pregnant?

      Yes, you can sign up for any of Gene Express genetic services because Gene Express only requires you to collect your saliva samples. The procedure is non-invasive and totally harmless to your body.

    • Can my Gene Express report be my only source for health advice? Do I still need to listen to my physician’s advice or go for health screenings?

      No, your Gene Express report cannot be your only source for health advice. A Gene Express health report should never replace a physician’s advice or a health screening. Yes, you should always consult your physician on all medical matters.

    • Why is my DNA result different from my expectation?

      It is possible for your DNA result to differ from your expectation because your DNA profile can only provide likelihoods, not certainties. There could be other genetic factors scientists don't yet know about that influence traits. There could also be non-genetic factors at play, such as your age, environment, or lifestyle. If you have a different trait than what your genetics indicate, you could think about what the possible factors are that are leading you to such development.

    • What technology is behind this new service?

      The Gene Express laboratory uses the state-of-the-art Illumina Infinium HTS assay and a special DNA chip to accurately identify and characterise about 1,000 relevant SNPs in your DNA purified from your saliva sample.

    • If I have received a bone marrow transplant, can I do the genetic screening?

      No. Gene Express does not recommend bone marrow transplant recipients to sign up for any of Gene Express genetic services. Reason: When you collect your saliva sample containing buccal or cheek cells, it will most likely include cells containing your own DNA and cells containing the DNA from your bone marrow donor. The combined DNA extracted from these two types of cells will usually give rise to SNP profile results that are difficult to analyse and misleading. However, there is no impact on your SNP profile results if you are a bone marrow donor.

    • If I have received a stem cell transplant, can I do the genetic screening?

      No. Gene Express does not recommend stem cell transplant recipients to sign up for any of Gene Express genetic services. Reason: When you collect your saliva sample containing buccal or cheek cells, it will most likely include cells containing your own DNA and cells containing the DNA from your stem cell donor. The combined DNA extracted from these two types of cells will usually give rise to SNP profile results that are difficult to analyse and misleading. However, there is no impact on your SNP profile results if you are a stem cell donor.

    • Am I eligible for DNA testing?

      Whatever your age, gender, occupation, health condition (with some exceptions), whether pregnant, having common illness (cold or flu), or taking common medications, such as those for acid reflux, you are eligible to sign up for any of Gene Express genetic services. However, saliva samples of a person under 18 years old must be submitted with a written consent of a parent or guardian. Furthermore, please note that the results of Gene Express genetic services are not diagnostic. Please consult a medical doctor or healthcare provider if you have any medical inquiries.

    • How is this test done?

      Three main steps will be carried out: (i) sample collection, (ii) sample processing, and (iii) report generation. You will receive a Gene Express saliva collection kit. You collect 2 ml of your saliva sample and courier the GeneFix saliva collection tube with your saliva sample back to Gene Express. Scientists at the Gene Express laboratory will purify your DNA from your saliva sample and then use the state-of-the-art Illumina Infinium HTS assay and a special DNA chip to accurately identify and characterise about 1,000 relevant SNPs in your DNA. Subsequently, you will receive a personalised report tailored to your SNP profile.

    • Which is more accurate, a DNA test or a blood test?

      We should not be compare these two tests because they detect different entities and serve different purposes. A DNA test identifies your genetic contents (e.g., SNPs and nucleotide sequence). On the other hand, a blood test identifies and measures your specific blood components (e.g., red blood cells, white blood cells, sodium, potassium, glucose, urea, hormones, enzymes, etc).

    • Can this test tell me if I have a disease?

      Express genetic services are not diagnostic, and they should not be considered as medical advice. They are not usedto detect infectious agents or markers of disease states; rather they identify and analyse about 1,000 SNPs in some of your important genes for micro and macro nutrient metabolism, fitness, and genetic predisposition to certain health conditions. Any medical concerns or abnormal results should be discussed with your healthcare service provider.

    • Can it be used to detect infectious disease?

      No, the results of Gene Express genetic services arenot diagnostic and cannot be used to detect infectious diseases.

  • 2. How do I get a Gene Express saliva collection kit?
    • How do I purchase a Gene Express saliva collection kit?

      You may purchase a genetic screening package directly online at www.geneexpress.com.

    • Can I purchase on behalf of my family/friends?

      Yes, you can. In fact, depending on the package, Gene Express saliva collection kits make great gifts for birthdays, anniversaries or for a loved one’s precious child. Please note that the kit will have to be registered with Gene Express in the respective individual’s name at www.geneexpress.com.

    • When I purchase a saliva collection kit for my family/friend, will I have access to their reports?

      No. Gene Express respects the confidentiality of personal data and will only disclose the results of its genetic services to the person whose saliva sample was sent to the Gene Express laboratory for analysis. However, a person under 18 years old must access their results through their parent’s Gene Express account.

    • I am not living in Malaysia. Can I purchase a Gene Express saliva collection kit?

      Currently, we do not accept cross-border purchases. This means that you can only purchase a Gene Express saliva collection kit within Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.

    • Why do I need to register my saliva collection kit?

      Your DNA sample is linked to a barcode in your Gene Express saliva collection kit. Therefore, registering your kit will link your DNA sample to a barcode enabling us to trace ownership. Samples without the account registration will not be processed by the laboratory and will be destroyed.

  • 3. What should I do upon receiving my Gene Express saliva collection kit?
    • What is inside my Gene Express saliva collection kit?

      Your Gene Express saliva collection kit includes a saliva collection funnel, a GeneFix saliva collection tube containing 2 ml of stabilising solution, an instruction sheet, a biohazard bag, and a courier company shipping bag.

    • How do I register my Gene Express saliva collection kit?

      After you have created your Gene Express account at www.geneexpress.com, you may log in any time to register your saliva collection tube inside the kit.

      Registering your GeneFix saliva collection tube will link your saliva sample (and later your DNA purified from your saliva sample) to the tube’s barcode and enable Gene Express to trace ownership. Gene Express laboratory will not process any unregistered saliva sample and will destroy it.

      You can monitor the status of your submitted saliva sample and view your report when it is ready.

    • What should I do if I am unable to register my saliva collection kit despite several attempts?

      Error messages may pop up for various reasons. Should that happen when you are in the process of registering your GeneFix saliva collection tube, please contact us at cs@geneexpress.com and provide details about the error. If possible, please include a screenshot of the error page.

    • What if I accidentally spill the solution in the tube?

      We recommend you contact our Customer Service at cs@geneexpress.com to get a replacement Gene Express saliva collector kit.

    • I suspect the saliva collector kit has been tampered with because the seals are broken. What should I do?

      We recommend you contact our Customer Service at cs@geneexpress.com to get a replacement Gene Express saliva collector kit.

  • 4. How do I collect my saliva sample?
    • How soon do I need to collect my saliva sample after receiving the saliva collection kit?

      The Gene Express saliva collection kit has a shelf life of 3 years so you can use it at any time before the expiry date under proper storage conditions. However, we strongly recommend that you collect your saliva sample and courier it back to Gene Express as soon as you have completed the registration with Gene Express, in order to get your saliva sample analysed and to receive your personalised report as soon as possible.

    • How do I collect my saliva sample?

      Please refer to the user manual provided with your Gene Express saliva collection kit.

    • How long will the saliva samples be good after I collect it?

      Your saliva sample remains stable inside the GeneFix saliva collection tube for at least 3 years at room temperature under proper storage and handling conditions. We strongly recommend that you courier back your GeneFix saliva collection tube containing your saliva sample to Gene Expressimmediately after collection.

    • Will my saliva sample be affected by temperature?

      If not exposed to temperatures higher than 80°C, your saliva sample will remain stable for at least 3 years at room temperature. The GeneFix saliva collection tube for collecting your saliva sample is pre-filled with a stabilising solution for DNA stabilisation.

    • Why is saliva preferred as a sample?

      A saliva sample is preferred to a blood sample because its collection involves a user-friendly, convenient, painless, and non-invasive method. Furthermore, sufficient high quality genomic DNA can be readily extracted and purified from the saliva sample.

    • What happens if I forgot to fast before collecting my saliva?

      It is best to follow the stated instruction in order to minimise contamination. If you did not follow the stated instruction and proceeded to collect your saliva sample, then the Gene Express laboratory staff will examine your saliva sample and decide if it is suitable for DNA extraction and subsequent processes.

  • 5. How do I send my saliva sample to the laboratory?
    • After collecting my saliva sample, how do I send it in for testing?

      Your Gene Express saliva collection kit includes a courier company shipping bag. After registering your GeneFix saliva collection tube and collecting your saliva sample in the tube, you may schedule a pick-up service online at the website. Our appointed courier company will then contact you to schedule a pick-up time.

    • How can I re-schedule a pick-up?

      If you wish to re-schedule your pick up within 48 hours from the time you selected, please contact our customer service at +603 8026 2798.

    • How many times can I re-schedule a pick-up?

      We understand that you would need to schedule a pick-up around your personal time, which is often subject to changes. Hence, we have negotiated with our appointed courier company to allow you to re-schedule the pick-up as many times as you want, as long as it is done within 48 hours of your original pick-up time.

    • How do I track the delivery status?

      Tracking can be easily done after you have registered your saliva collection kit. Just click on the “Track Status” tab under My account to check your kit’s delivery status.

    • What if I forgot to register the saliva kit before I send the sample back to the lab?

      You would need to contact the Customer Service at cs@geneexpress.com immediately with your invoice number and airway bill number information for further checking.

  • 6. When can I receive my Gene Express report?
    • What happens after Gene Express receives my saliva sample?

      Upon receiving your saliva sample, scientists at the Gene Express laboratory will inspect it, record it, purify your DNA from it, and then use the state-of-the-art Illumina Infinium HTS assay and a special DNA chip to accurately identify and characterise about 1,000 relevant SNPs in your DNA. The resultant SNPs will then be professionally analysed by a collaborating company to prepare a personalised report tailored to your SNP profile for you. When your report is ready, you will be notified to view it on www.geneexpress.com. Generally, it will be ready for viewing about 4 to 6 weeks after Gene Express laboratory receives your saliva sample.

    • Why does it take so long to generate a report?

      Your personalised report containing a wealth of information will be generated about 4 to 6 weeks after Gene Express laboratory receives your saliva sample. This is the length of time required by the laboratory to (a) perform multiple precise biochemical and biomolecular processes to purify your DNA and to determine the relevant SNPs in your DNA, and then (b) submit your SNP profile for analysis with a dedicated bioinformatic software before generating your personalised report. You will also be presented with detailed personalised recommendations (delivered via a mobile phone app) tailored to your SNP profile You can rest assured that the laboratory strives to provide you with the highest quality professional service.

    • How do I view my Gene Express report?

      Log in to www.geneexpress.com to access your Gene Express account to view your report or alternatively you may download the Gene Express mobile application from both Google Store and Apple Store to receive the report and other advices.

    • Do I get a hardcopy of my report?

      No, we provide the softcopy of your report which you can readily access via the Gene Express mobile application or the website.

    • Who will have access to my Gene Express report?

      Protecting your personal data is our commitment to you. We have established stringent procedures to prevent the loss, misuse, or alteration of all personal data in our care.

      Your GeneFix saliva collection tube is marked with a unique barcode, which you are required to link to your account during registration. During the DNA analysis phase, the barcode, which has no personal information attached to it, is the only link which ties your sample to your account. This means that your saliva sample is anonymised and none of the scientists who process your DNA has access to your account and personal information.

    • What language is my Gene Express report available in?

      Currently, your report is available in English.

    • Can my family personalise their lifestyle based on my DNA Personalised Wellness report?

      No, they cannot do that. Although members of a family are genetically related, each of them has inherited a unique set of DNA (i.e., genome) and their own unique SNP profile. Each of them has to sign up for their own Gene Express genetic service in order to have their SNP profile determined and analysed. They will then receive their own personalised wellness report tailored to their SNP profile.

    • Does DNA Personalised Wellness provide pre- and/or post-genetic counselling services?

      Pre- and/or post-genetic counselling services are not included. Please discuss all medical concerns regarding wellness with a medical doctor, genetic counsellor, or healthcare service provider.

    • Is the report suitable for clinical usage?

      No, this report is not intended to diagnose any diseases. It contains information and personalised recommendations tailored to your SNP profile, so that you are empowered to take guided informed actions to stay healthy, improve your health and wellbeing, and reduce health risks. Hence, GE is here to help you to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life, based on some of your gene contents. If you have any medical doubts or concerns about your health status, please consult your doctor.

    • If the report shows I do not carry a causative gene, does this mean I am disease free?

      No, this report is not diagnostic and makes no claims of diagnosis. It contains information and personalised recommendations tailored to your SNP profile determined from some of your important genes for diet, fitness, and genetic predisposition to certain health conditions

    • What will happen to my DNA sample?

      Your DNA sample, purified from your saliva sample, will be labelled only with your unique barcode and stored for five (5) years in our secure, access-controlled -20°C freezer. As new discoveries in the field of nutrigenomics are made, additional information may be added to our test reports and new panels with additional cutting-edge information would be made available to you.

  • 7. What if my saliva collection kit is faulty / defective OR I have accidentally lost / damaged it?
    • What if the saliva collection kit I received is faulty or defective?

      Contact us via this link immediately. We will help you get a replacement kit. Take note that terms and conditions apply.

    • What if I lose my saliva collection kit or accidentally damage it?

      Kindly contact our Customer Service at cs@geneexpress.com and they would be happy to assist you.

    • How do I return a faulty or defective saliva collection kit?

      Quality is one of our highest priorities. If you discover any damage to your product(s), kindly observe the following procedure, failing which you will not be able to exchange the kit for a new one:

      You must notify our Customer Service within three (3) business days of purchase or receiving the parcel.

      A Customer Service representative shall perform an inspection of the damaged parcel.

      If the inspection confirms that the parcel is damaged through the fault of Gene Express delivery partner, you may return the affected product(s), original carton and a copy of Credit Note (CN) for exchange purposes.

      Note: Gene Express reserves the right not to entertain the exchange if the claimant cannot produce the original carton and copy of CN.

  • 8. What if the laboratory fails to process my saliva sample?
    • What happens when the laboratory can’t process my saliva sample?

      A major factor is your saliva sample is visibly contaminated with food debris. Another factor is your saliva sample is stained by food (e.g., coffee, tea) and tobacco. Another factor is you collected too much or too little saliva sample; you did not collect the desired 2 ml of saliva sample.

    • What is the next step if my saliva sample cannot be processed?

      We will contact you and arrange for you to pick up a replacement saliva collection kit. Whatever causes the failure, you will not be required to pay any additional cost. Some terms and conditions will apply.