Futura Genetics Testing Services Review (2023)

Futura Genetics Visit Site

Types of Tests and Kits You can Get from Futura Genetics

The Futura Genetics test is a detailed analysis consisting of genetic sequencing information and your individual risk of contracting 28 of the most common diseases worldwide. Their scientists have selected the most appropriate genetic markers for disease based on thousands of studies of the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DNA regions related to disease. A DNA expert computes your risk of acquiring a particular disease based on the presence or absence of SNPs on particular genes associated with disease.

The diseases covered by your report include:

• Age-related macular degeneration

• Alopecia

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Atrial fibrillation

• Basal cell carcinoma

• Bladder cancer

• Breast cancer

• Celiac disease

• Colorectal cancer

• Coronary heart disease

• Exfoliating glaucoma

• Gastric cancer

• Graves’ disease

• Intracranial aneurysm

• Lung cancer

• Lupus

• Melanoma

• Migraine

• Multiple sclerosis

• Obesity

• Open angle glaucoma

• Peripheral vascular disease

• Prostate cancer

• Psoriasis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Type 1 diabetes

• Type 2 diabetes

• Venous Thromboembolism

It’s important to know that having the genetic propensity to develop a disease is not a diagnosis. Many conditions can be avoided by taking steps to improve diet, fitness, and other lifestyle factors. Your report will provide ideas for actions you can take in order to lower your risk of contracting these diseases.

In addition to a risk analysis, the report will include a list of specific SNP marker values. These can be useful if you decide to work with a genetic counselor in the future.

You have the ability to opt out of seeing genetic risk information for Alzheimer’s disease.

How much does Futura Genetics cost?

The Futura Genetics DNA Test costs $375 (currently marked down from $465), which includes shipping for the test kit and a prepaid envelope to return to the lab.

This is the most expensive DNA test we’ve seen, but it provides a level of detail and accuracy that are worth the price if you are seeking actionable genetic disease information.

How to Get Started with Futura Genetics? 

After you order your kit online, they will ship it to you using express shipping. When you receive your kit, you will follow their directions:

• Register your kit on the Futura Genetics website

• Follow the instructions inside the saliva kit to take your sample

• Place the plastic tube inside the prepaid envelope

• Put your barcode on the plastic tube containing your saliva

• Send the envelope to their lab

Getting The Results 

About four weeks after you place your order, you will receive your results. You will get a hard copy in the mail, and you will be able to access the electronic version through the Futura Genetics website. 

Your Health Report

Your report will provide a description of each of the 28 diseases covered by the test, along with a list of the genetic markers associated with these diseases in the scientific literature. Your individual risk will be presented, along with the average risk in the general population. You will also receive a personalized calculation of how your risk level compares to that of the general population, and the lifestyle steps you can take to lower your risk.

Scientific Data

Your report will also include a list of genetic markers, sorted by the disease with which they are associated. This is not a list you’d need for your own use but it can be helpful if you ever seek genetic counseling in the future. This data includes each SNP, the gene with which it is associated, and your corresponding genotype. As this is based on your genetic code, your results will never change, so you’ll never need to retake this test.

The company recommends that you bring a printed version of your report to your doctor to discuss during your next checkup.

How Futura Genetics Protects your Privacy

Futura Genetics promotes their commitment to privacy and security. They provide an extensive privacy policy on their website. Here are the highlights:

• Your results are confidential and are not shared with anybody outside the laboratory. 

• After your test has been completed, your DNA sample will be stripped of all personal identifiers and may be used as controls in future assays.

• Your DNA test results are yours and yours alone. Your genetic information will not be released to third parties without your permission, unless required by law.

• All data is safely secured using the latest security measures with multiple levels of encryption. 

• In addition to all standard security measures, they use a barcode system to separate your personal information (like your name or address) from your DNA data.

Help and Support

There is a list of basic FAQs on the Futura Genetics website, but it lacks the level of detail you would expect for a product this expensive. There are no sample reports or test kit instructions available for potential customers to view.

If you’d like to contact customer support, you can call 800-984-8135 between the hours of 10am and 6pm or email them at hello@futuragenetics.com. Past customers generally report friendly and responsive customer support interactions.

How Futura Genetics Compares to Other DNA Test Kits

Futura Genetics vs. MyHeritage 

Futura Genetics and MyHeritage both offer health reports, with several important differences. MyHeritage has risk levels for 27 common inherited diseases, but the level of scientific detail is not as high for MyHeritage as It is for Futura Genetics. However, MyHeritage also includes a Carrier Status Report, which provides your level of risk for passing on 13 inherited diseases to children.

Futura Genetics Vs. AncestryDNA 

AncestryDNA used to have a health report but has now discontinued this option. Futura Genetics is a better choice if you are looking for information on genetic disease risk, while AncestryDNA is a great test for ethnicity and ancestry information.

Futura Genetics vs. HomeDNA

HomeDNA offers several DNA health test options, like skin care and food sensitivity, but not the detailed risk assessment provided by Futura Genetics.

The Bottom Line

Futura Genetics is a good option if you are seeking a scientific analysis of your DNA to discover your risk of developing 28 of the most common diseases. While it does not provide wellness traits or ancestry details, it is a useful tool to help you take concrete steps to reduce your risks of developing diseases that have a hereditary component.