General Questions

1. Who or what is Map My Gene?

Map My Gene is a Singapore-based transnational company that offers accurate genetic testing services with an aim of improving the lives and standards of living for our clients. We try to achieve this by offering products featuring cutting-edge technology, which have a direct positive impact on the physical and mental health of our clients.

Our vision and mission are as follows:

Our Vision:
Improving the overall standard of living for the people of the communities where we operate in and being the leader in the field of genetic science.

Our Mission:
To develop offerings which lead to an improvement in both the physical and mental well-being of our clients using our superior expertise and technology in genetic science.

2. What are genes?

Genes are biological units of the body which provide the directions for the body to function. They consist of Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and determine an individual’s inherited traits. For example, some genes are responsible for the colour of the eyes while others are responsible for the height of an individual.

Genes, being the building blocks of life, are also the basic units of heredity in living organisms. It is the means by which all organisms pass on traits and attributes to their offspring.

3. What is genetic testing?

Genetic testing are tests conducted on genes to find out more about a person’s genetic makeup. For example, some of the common genetic tests include tests for mutations which may lead to diseases, or tests to determine ancestry. Some other functions of genetic testing include:

1. Give a diagnosis if someone has symptoms.

2. Show whether a person is a carrier for a genetic disease. Carriers have an altered gene, but will not get the disease. However, they can pass the altered gene on to their children.

3. Help expectant parents know whether an unborn child will have a genetic condition. This is called prenatal testing.

4. Screen newborn infants for abnormal or missing proteins that can cause disease. This is called newborn screening, which is similar to our Disease Susceptibility Genetic Test.

5. Show whether a person has an inherited disposition to a certain disease before symptoms start, which again is what our Disease Susceptibility Genetic Test is about.

6. Determine the type or dose of a medicine that is best for a certain person. This is called pharmacogenetics.

7. Finding out if a person has certain innate talents, personality traits or dispositions, which is the purpose of our Inborn Talent Genetic Test.

For more information on genes and genetic testing, please visit the website www.genome.gov where there is an abundance of information catering to people of differing levels of familiarity with this subject.

4. How is genetic testing performed?

Genetic tests are commonly conducted on a person’s DNA, chromosomes or enzymes, with DNA testing being probably the most commonly-employed method. Tests on DNA may be performed on a person’s blood, body fluids or tissues. In our case, we perform the tests on a person’s DNA, which are acquired via the cheek cells.

5. How are samples collected?

We employ a painless and non-invasive procedure which does not involve blood when collecting DNA samples from our clients. This simple procedure which takes only a couple of minutes is performed as follows:

Step 1: Use a DNA swab

 

Step 2: Place the swab against
the interior wall of your cheek and
gently scrape, moving the swab in
an in-out movement. Repeat this
motion for 15 times on each side
of your cheek.

Step 3: Place the swab into
the collection package and
seal it.

 

6. What are the health/medical risks and side effects of taking this test?

As this is a painless and non-invasive procedure that does not involve surgery or blood, there is no known health or medical risk involved. There are also no known side effects. Clients may therefore rest assured that this procedure is extremely safe and harmless.

7. How accurate are the results of these tests?

The results of the tests offered by Map My Gene are known to be scientifically-proven to assert up to 99.8% accuracy. Clients may rest assured that Map My Gene will only offer tests that have met very rigorous standards of validity, consistency and accuracy.

8. What kind of technology is involved in the test?

For obvious reasons, being the involvement of proprietary technological secrets, we are unable to reveal many details of the technology employed for the tests. To therefore put it simply, cutting-edge American technology is used as the inspiration behind our technology, and our partners in development include Affymetrix, and several other leading companies in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. We have also received direct support from certain governmental organisations, which is testimony to the benefits offered by our products. The by-product of this collaboration has put us where we are today—at the forefront of genetic testing technology.

9. Why should I go to Map My Gene for genetic testing and not other providers?

This will be due to several reasons as listed below:

a. Leading technology
Genetics employs technology that is at the fore front of the industry. This allows us to provide you with the most accurate and consistent results.

b. Comprehensive results coverage
With more than 100 diseases for the Disease Susceptible Genetic Test and 40 traits for the Inborn Talent Genetic Test, we ensure that you are well-covered. Almost all the information that you require will be found in a single, comprehensive test report!

c. Affordable cost
Credibility and affordability is a rare combination, but we have proven they are not mutually-exclusive. Now you can take steps to improve on your family’s overall health and well-being without burning your pockets!

d. Extremely safe procedure
The procedure for testing is risk-free, as it is painless and non-invasive. No blood is involved in the sample-collection process.

10. Where do I go to get my tests done?

You may visit an authorised physician who is licensed to offer our tests. The physician will then guide you through the entire procedure as well as provide advice and information when required.

Alternatively, you may place an order for the test kit online by contacting us at info@MapMyGene.com and we will then deliver the test kit together with the necessary instructions to a mailing address of your choice.

11. What are the things required for the tests?

For the test to be performed at our labs, we will require the following items to be submitted:
a. Consent Form
b. Copy of Passport/ ID
c. DNA Sample

12. How long do I have to wait for my test results?

Usually the test report will be delivered in about 8 - 10 weeks after clients have submitted the sample (together with the complete set of requisite documents).

13. How will I receive my test results?

You will receive the report in a results kit, which will be presented in a sealed envelope to ensure confidentiality. This will be delivered to a mailing address of your choice.

14. Is there a validity period for the test results?

As genes are generally known to be in very stable states, the results are generally valid over your entire lifetime. Your results for the specific fields in each test are unlikely to alter even if you perform the test again.

15. How is payment done?

If you are taking the test with an authorised doctor, you may make the payment directly to the doctor. However, if you are ordering the test via our website, please follow the payment instructions stated on the website.

16. From where can I gather more information?

You may visit our website at www.MapMyGene.com for information regarding the tests. For more general information regarding genes and genetic testing you may browse through the website www.genome.gov which is very informative and caters to people of varying prior knowledge in this field.

For further information, you may also send us an e-mail at info@MapMyGene.com and we will endeavour to assist you to the best of our abilities.

17. Will my results from Map My Gene’ genetic tests be kept confidential?

Your test results will be kept very strictly confidential. In fact, your sample will only be identified by a sample serial number throughout most of the testing process to ensure the identity of the client may not be easily matched with the sample and corresponding results.

Your test results will not be wilfully shared with any third party outside of Map My Gene. Even within Map My Gene, client details will only be revealed on a need-to-know basis and access to client details will be limited to only a select few employees who absolutely require the information to perform their work.

To prevent leakage of information after the information has left us, test results will be delivered in sealed envelopes and sent directly to the clients’ preferred mailing address.

Disease Susceptibility Genetic Test

1. What is the DSGT?

The DSGT (Disease Susceptibility Genetic Test) is a test on the genes of a person in order to find out whether he/she carries any defective genes which puts the person at risk of developing particular diseases. More than 100 diseases are covered in this predictive test, and the results will state which diseases one is at risk to.

2. What does it do for me?

It allows clients to find out which diseases they are genetically inclined to develop, before the actual onset of the disease. This will allow for early prevention by allowing the client to make the necessary alterations to lifestyle, thereby controlling the other factors which usually account for the condition.

In summary, the benefits include:

• Find out which diseases you are at risk to, and take precautions against them before they are given a chance to strike.

• Find out if you have inherited certain health problems from family members.

• Comprehensive coverage—reports on your individual risk profile that involves more than 100 diseases.

• Personalised advice to guide you on how to take the necessary precautions against the at-risk diseases based on your results.

• Unlike a full-body check-up which only allows you to find out about the disease and seek treatment after you have contracted it, this Test allows you to know beforehand which diseases you are more susceptible to, and take the necessary measures to keep the disease as bay.

• Genetic testing produces one of the most accurate results, going at the deepest level of the human body make-up.

• Learn to keep your body healthy and save potentially millions in medical bills!

• Simple procedure which can be performed in minutes, without needles, invasive procedures or blood involved. Best of all, it is painless!

• Couples who take the test can predict the likelihood of their future children inheriting certain diseases.

3. How does the DSGT differ from the usual full-body medical examinations or clinical laboratory tests?

In the usual medical examinations, the physician looks out for signs that one has already contracted certain diseases. By the time the symptoms are identified and a diagnosis is made, the patient has already got the disease, and only corrective measures can be taken to treat the condition, if it is treatable.

However, in the case of the DSGT, it identifies the areas of higher risk—the conditions that a person is likely to develop. This is even before the onset of the disease. This allows preventive measures to be taken to try to prevent the disease, or at least to delay its onset.

In essence, most clinical laboratory tests are ordered for the purpose of directing interventions for a current health disorder. In contrast, genetic tests can be used in asymptomatic individuals to identify a future risk of disease, a mutation that possesses a potential risk to an unborn child, or the presence of an active disease process. Predictive testing has the ability to identify an asymptomatic individual's risk of developing a disorder years before the onset of symptoms but does not provide information about the timing and severity of outcomes.

4. For who is the DSGT recommended?

The DSGT is recommended for anyone who is interested to find out his/her health risks in order to take the appropriate measures to try to prevent the onset of the disease.

The younger the person is, the more effective it will be, as preventive measures can be taken at a younger age for better effect.

This Test is also highly recommended for anyone who has a family history of any diseases which is covered under our Test. This is because disease causing genes can also be inherited from previous generations of the family. By taking the Test, one can know whether he/she has inherited the disease.

5. How many diseases are covered?

You will be tested for your susceptibility to 108 diseases.

6. What are the categories of diseases covered?

The categories of diseases covered will include those affecting the following bodily systems:
a. Respiratory
b. Circulatory
c. Digestive
d. Urinary
e. Reproductive
f. Liver
g. Cerebral/Nervous/Neuro
h. Musculo-skeletal + Skin
i. Immune + Sensory

7. What do I do with my test results?

Your test results allow you to embark on preventive medicine. Look up the information on each of the diseases you are susceptible to in the accompanying manual, and then note the other potential causes of the diseases as well as the preventive measures.

Subsequently, you may take active steps to avoid the other factors that could cause the disease, and also take the necessary preventive measures. You may consult with your family doctor on which measures will be most suitable for you, given your existing health and medical conditions.

Please note that your test results do not constitute a medical diagnosis, nor should they be considered to be medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical practitioner before beginning on the suggested preventive measures.

Last but not least, knowing the diseases you are at risk to allow you to look out for specific symptoms and also to know which medical examinations to regularly undergo. This may aid in early detection in the event a particular disease eventually develops, and often, early detection may save lives.

8. I am afraid of finding out what medical problems I am likely to have. Why should I want to know what diseases I am at risk to?

Finding out about the conditions you are at risk to helps you to be able to take the necessary preventive measures in a bid to try to prevent the eventual onset of the disease. It is understandable that anyone will feel fear and anxiety upon hearing what kinds of medical problems he/she is likely to develop, however overcoming the fear and taking positive preventive steps may be the key to prolonging your life.

Refusing to find out about one’s risks does not mean that the risk will disappear. It is akin to how some people close their eyes when faced with danger. Closing one’s eyes is only ignoring the danger, but it does not mean that the source of danger will go away. In fact, it is by opening the eyes and looking carefully at the source of danger that we can better formulate a plan to remove it, or at least plan an escape route from the source of danger.

In the same way, after finding out about the risks you have, you can better formulate a plan to take care of your health to prevent the onset of these diseases. Even if a disease eventually develops, you have at least also prepared yourself for it, and have found out how to most appropriately treat the condition. In some cases, you can alleviate the severity of the disease, should the disease develop, by taking precautionary measures.

9. Does it really make a difference whether I know or do not know what kinds of medical problems I am likely to have, since I am likely to contract the disease anyway?

Firstly, please be informed that even if you test positive for a particular disease in this DSGT, you are not certainly going to develop the disease. You simply have a higher probability than the average person of developing this condition as a result of your genetic conditions.

Also, having the necessary information allows you to take a targeted approach in prevention. In the event that you are unable to prevent the onset of the disease, you may at least delay its occurrence, thereby effectively prolonging your life to some extent. Furthermore, in some cases, precautionary measures can be taken to alleviate the severity of the disease, should the disease develop.

10. What does it mean to test positive (be susceptible) to a particular disease? (influence of other factors)

In the event that you test positive for a particular disease, it implies that there are mutations or defects in your genes which make you more likely than the average person to develop that disease. However, you should be aware that a positive genetic test result is only one factor in determining risk for a particular disorder. Other factors need to be considered, including environmental, lifestyle and diet factors. Therefore it is in no way a confirmation that you have developed, or will definitely develop the disease.

However, what you should do is consult with your doctor regarding the other risk factors, and the ways in which you can try to avoid them.

11. What does it mean if I test negative for a particular disease?

Testing negative for a particular disease means that your genetic makeup is unlikely to cause you to contract the condition. However, it does not mean you will not contract the disease. This is because exposure to other causes of the disease (e.g. smoking) may also result in the onset of the disease. Very simply, a negative result implies that one of the main causes in many diseases—the genetic factor, is unlikely to cause the onset of the disease for you. As such, there is one reduced risk factor.

12. Who do I go to if I require further advice and elaboration on my test results?

For proper medical advice, you should always consult a licensed physician. The test results serve as a guideline and also provide an insight to your doctor on the inherent risks that you possess, which will allow him/her to cater a health regime that is customised for your individual needs.

13. At what age should I do the test?

It is recommended that you take the test as early as possible. This is because the younger you are, the less likely it is that the diseases you are susceptible to have already developed, and there are more opportunities for preventive measures to be taken.

Additionally, it is more effective if you try to reduce the exposure to the other causes for the diseases from a younger age. The older you get, the more likely it is that the damage has already been done somehow by repeated exposure to certain elements which may contribute to the onset of the disease.

In any case, even if you have already contracted a condition, taking the test is still recommended as you can still work on reducing your risk to other diseases so that your condition will not be aggravated.

Therefore, the best time to take the test is NOW!

14. Do I have to take the test again after a certain period of time?

As our genetic conditions are known to be very stable, your results for the same disease will unlikely be altered over your lifetime. You therefore will not need to test for the same diseases again, as you will almost surely be getting the same result for each disease.

15. Will my insurance company or anyone else find out about my test results?

Map My Gene practises a very strict confidentiality policy. We will not wilfully disclose your test results to any other third party without your prior approval. All results packages will be sent directly to your preferred mailing address in a sealed envelope.

16. Why should I pay this sum of money for the test?

1. The first reason would be that you cannot put a monetary value to time and health. Most, if not all, people will be willing to give up a fortune in order to regain their health or to prolong their lives. This test aims to do exactly that—to guide you on how to live a healthier and longer life.
   
   

2. Another more economical reason would be to think in terms of the potential savings in medical bills. If as a result of doing this test you are able to prevent the onset of one of the diseases which you may have otherwise developed, you would have saved a significant amount on what should have been bills for hospitalisation, medicine, specialist consultation, treatment, tests etc.
   

Inborn Talent Genetic Test

1. What is the ITGT?

The ITGT (Inborn Talent Genetic Test) reveals the inherited and endowed inborn talents of a child scientifically from the genetic makeup of his/her DNA. The test result will therefore help parents identify their children’s hidden talents that may not be obvious at a young age. Furthermore, it also reveals some personality traits that the child may possess, judging from his/her genetic make-up.

2. What does it do for me and my child?

The test allows you to discover some of the innate talents that your child has been born with. This will provide you with an insight on the areas that your child is more likely to excel in, which will allow you to plan his/her development accordingly.

The other aspect of the test also allows you to understand better the natural disposition and temperament of your child. Knowing the kinds of personality traits that your child is naturally-inclined to possess allows you to better understand how to discipline and teach your child and also to look out for some of the possible land mines. Having an understanding of the kind of personality your child is likely to also allow for more effective planning of the development of the talents.

3. For who is the ITGT recommended?

In general, the ITGT is suitable for anyone at any age, as it is able to provide valuable insight for people at any stage of career, emotional or personality growth. However it is most recommended for children below the age of 18, where they have many more life choices ahead of them. Also, the younger the age, the better the probability that the parents may be able to mould the character of the child and prevent him/her from falling for some of the potential pitfalls in his/her natural dispositions. For maximum effect, parents may consider performing this test for their newborns.

4. What is covered in the test?

The test covers 40 talents and traits in the child. The categories include:
• Character traits
• Artistic abilities/talents
• Intelligence abilities
• Emotional traits
• Athletic abilities
• Environmental influence
• Health traits
• Addiction propensity

5. What do I do with my child’s test results?

The test results allow you to better plan your child’s development and grooming. Instead of relying on guesswork and a generous dose of luck, you now have a basis for the decisions and choices you make on your child’s behalf.

You may take note of the areas where your child is more likely to be naturally gifted in, and design his/her development according to that aspect. For example if a child is more athletically-gifted, more emphasis may be placed on his/her sports development. Parents may wish to encourage the child to play sports on a regular basis, and also arrange for training in schools competitive teams or some other classes conducted for budding sports people.

Also, you may wish to look out for the personality traits of your child, and note if they will likely aid or hinder the talent development of the child. With this insight, parents may more effectively plan a development programme that either capitalises on the complementary traits, or plan the talent development around potential pitfalls, all the time looking out for signs that it may impede the child’s development.

6. Why should I want to know what inherent talents or personality traits my child is likely to have?

Knowing the inherent talents and personality traits that your child is likely to display allows for effective and efficient grooming for the child’s future. Being able to now work on concrete information rather than guesswork or a fortune-teller’s advice allows the parents to channel efforts and resources towards developing aspects of the child where there are likely to be worthwhile returns.

Parents may also know which areas the child is unlikely to excel in, and therefore not insist on their child sticking with those directions in life if the child is not naturally-inclined to do so. One common example of this is parents who force their children to continue studying and attain a university degree even though the children are not naturally-inclined or interested in such a path in life. Often, the results in such cases are unpleasant and sometimes even tragic.

Knowing the child’s character traits also can help the parent to cater the future plans for the child according to the probable character. People of different characters require different ways of disciplining and motivating for best effect. Therefore gaining an insight into the likely personality attributes of the child is extremely valuable in trying to groom him/her.

7. What does it mean to test positive for a particular talent or trait?

To test positive for a particular talent implies that the child is likely to excel in that particular area. For example, if a child tests positive for the “musical” talent, it means that he/she is genetically inclined to perform better than the average person in music. It can also be interpreted as that the child may be able to learn much faster than the average child, and therefore requires less effort to reach the same level of proficiency as the average kid in this particular field.

Parents could then try to expose the child to music at a young age to determine if the child shows an interest in music. If the child does display an interest in music, then parents could try to gauge which musical instrument the child may be more interested in, and enrol the child in formal training on how to play the instrument.

If a child tests positive for a particular personality trait, then it implies that he/she is likely to display behaviours consistent with the particular trait. However parents should also bear in mind that environmental factors can also have an effect on a child’s personality and, to a probably lesser degree, talents as well. However, what may be interpreted is that all things being equal, the child is more likely than the general population to behave in a way that is consistent with the trait.

8. What does it mean to test negative for a particular talent or trait?

Testing negative for a particular talent may be inferred as the child not being naturally-inclined in the particular field. Therefore if the child wishes to excel in the area, he/she will have to make up for it through sheer hard work and possibly also some environmental factors and favourable fortune.

For example, if a child does not possess the gene for good memory, he/she may not do as well in the studies, especially in the subjects which require considerable memorisation and rote learning. Therefore to perform as well as a kid who is naturally gifted in this area, the child who is not naturally-endowed will have to put in a lot more effort and time into studying. It may therefore not be very efficient if parents force this child to take the academic route in life, as he/she may not be able to perform as well as other children even after putting in a lot of effort. It may then result in a loss of confidence and esteem.

9. Who do I go to if I require further advice and elaboration on the test results?

For further advice and suggestions, you may wish to consult a child psychologist or the child’s teachers. They could work with you closely on how best to try to plan your child’s future development using the resources and facilities available to you, based on the test results.

10. At what age should I send my child for the test?

The earlier the child takes the test, the better it is due to the higher mould-ability in the characters of young children. Also, at a younger age it will be easy to set the foundations for children and all efforts and resources can be channelled towards a particular aspect of the child’s development at an early stage. Especially for talent development, the earlier the child starts, the easier it is to get a headstart over other children. This is especially in the case of sportspersons, whose peaks are usually expected when they hit the age of twenties.

11. Does my child have to take the test again after a certain period of time?

As our genetic conditions are known to be very stable, your child’s results for the same attribute will unlikely be altered over your lifetime. He/she therefore will not need to test for the same attributes again, as the result for the particular attribute will almost definitely be the same again.

12. Will anyone else find out about my child’s test results?

Map My Gene practises a very strict confidentiality policy. We will not wilfully disclose your test results to any other third party without your prior approval. All results packages will be sent directly to your preferred mailing address in a sealed envelope.

13. Why should I pay this sum of money for the test?

There are a couple of reasons why this test will be a worthy investment.

1. The first would be that you may spare yourself and your child some unnecessary emotional anguish. You will have a guide on which areas your child is more likely to excel in and which are the ones that a lot more effort has to be expended in order to achieve results. Exasperation, frustration and a battered self-esteem from perpetual lack of success may then be avoided. Channelling efforts towards areas where the child has a higher probability of success is not only efficient, but may also greatly boost the confidence and emotional well-being of the child.
   
   

2. There are also cost efficiencies involved. The resources and effort invested in your child’s development will be more likely to provide returns if you know which aspects to invest in. Futile investments in the form of time and learning fees may be avoided with a clear direction of which choices to make.