The nervous system supports the transmission of messages around the mind and body, enabling an individual to respond to their environment. A neurotransmitter is a molecule that carries signals between neurons and across nerve junctions (synapses). Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the likelihood a neuron will fire a signal, while inhibitory neurotransmitters have the opposite effect. In order for us to interact effectively with our environment these must remain in balance.

Symptoms of neurotransmitter imbalance can include: mood imbalances, depression, mania, attention deficit and obsessive compulsive disorders, addictive behaviours, motor control disruption, anger, aggression and restlessness.

It analyses gene variants that impact serotonin (contentment) and melatonin (sleep), dopamine (motivation), noradrenaline and adrenaline (fight or flight); glutamate (the major excitatory neurotransmitter); GABA (the major inhibitory neurotransmitter) which is critical for relaxation; and endoCannabinoids (AEA/ anandamide) which regulate other neurotransmitters. The report provides detailed recommendations for nutritional support to alleviate symptoms and to optimise mental health.

GENES INCLUDED

Serotonin: ALDH2, HTR1A, HTR2A, MAOA, MTHFR, SLC18A1 (VMAT), VDR and TPH1 &2
Kynurenic Acid: FKBP5, IFNG and TNF
Melatonin: ASMT and MTNR1B
Dopamine: ALDH2, COMT, DRD2, MAOB, MAOA, MTHFR, OPRM1, SLC6A3 (DAT), TH and VDR
Adrenergic: ADRB2, COMT, DBH, MAOA, PNMT, SLC6A2 (NET) and SLC18A1 (VMAT)
GABA: ALPL, GAD1, GAD2 and GABRA2
Cannabinoid: CNR1, TRPV1 and FAAH

Q. How do you support me with my results?

DNA tests are not that easy to interpret unless you have genetics training, therefore our team reviews each report and compares this against the personal information you have provided at checkout regarding your current health, diet and supplement / medicine intake. All patients will receive a lab report (view sample report HERE)

All lab reports include

• personalised, colour coded genotype results

• gene function and SNP impact descriptions

• clinically relevant SNPs

• nutrient and other epigenetic impacts

• links to research evidence

In addition to your lab report we provide the following options which are INCLUDED in your original price;

a) Follow up 30 minute video call to discuss your results and answer any questions you have. Advice will be given on supplements and lifestyle support. Once you have completed checkout you will be sent a link to book your time and day online with one of our genetic specialists.

OR

b) Follow up written report delivered by email with dietary and lifestyle advice and links to supplement suggestions included. We do not provide an example of this report as it is personalised to each patient but it usually runs to 3 pages of detailed actionable advice.

OR

C) Both zoom call and written summary with personalised next steps (Zoom call is first and written report follows).

Q. I am unsure whether to choose a written summary of my results or a video call?

Every patient will get a colour coded lab report - you choice is how to receive your personalised interpretation of this report. You have a choice of a video call or a written summary or both.

The video call is ideal if you want your results faster or if you are new to DNA testing. It also allows you to ask your practitioner questions about your variants. Please check at the start of your call if your practitioner is happy for you to record your Zoom session. Usually if you confirm this will not be used on social media / uploaded to public forums etc, then this is allowed for your private use (please note zoom links last 2 weeks so please make sure you download and save locally). You will get a short email after your call with supplement links your practitioner recommends.

The written summary is better for those who want a full written explanation of their variants and links to supplement suggestions. Some patients feel more comfortable with a written interpretation but essentially both options will give you the same information just in different formats.

Q. How do I take this test?

The test is a simple, non-invasive oral sample (cheek swab). The only requirement is to abstain from eating/drinking for at least 1 hour before testing. The sample is placed in a tube with a stabilising capsule and returned with a signed consent form. Please use our details under ‘practitioner’ on the lab form.

There are no special storage or transport requirements and you can return any day. Each test kit is supplied with a return envelope which is prepaid for returns from within the UK and can be simply dropped into a post box. It is rare but some samples do fail laboratory standards if you do not extract enough DNA onto the mouth swab. Click HERE to view instructions. You can take this test at any time of day, there is no need to stop taking medications or supplements with this test. The most common reason for sample fails is patients forgetting to include the stablising capsule included in your kit or not returning the consent form. Please DO NOT open the contents of the stablising capsule, include it whole. Please ensure you do not eat, drink or smoke for 1 hour prior to taking test. You can also watch a video on taking this cheek swab test HERE . In the event your test fails laboratory standards you will receive 1 free replacement kit. UK orders are re-posted at no additional charge however international orders will need to pay additional delivery charges for failed tests - see below.

Q. Should I get my children tested or will they have the same genes as me?

Every human has a slightly different genetic makeup. We inherit our gene variants from both parents so although you may have similar genes to your child you will not have identical gene mutations. Our genes are the same from the moment we are born so you only ever need to do this test once in your lifetime and you will have the data on your gene variants for life.

Q. I want to return my sample via recorded / special delivery - can I do this?

The returns package provided has a freepost address on it so if you live in the UK you can simply pop your sample into any postbox for free returns. We do recognise that some patients prefer to send samples recorded / special delivery for peace of mind. If you choose this option, you will need to use a different address to return your sample; Lifecode Gx, c/o WeWork, Unit 1 Provost & East Building, 145 City Road, London, EC1V 1AZ

Q. I live overseas, can I get this test kit shipped to me?

Orders OUTSIDE UK - Yes we can now ship this test overseas to selected countries. Please select your country at checkout. If you want to order multiple DNA tests for friends or family we can package these together so you only pay one shipping cost. We use UPS for European orders and DHL for other countries, deliveries usually arrive with patients in 3-6 days. The test kits (swab and stabilising capsule) are declared as 'no commercial value' and usually (90% of the time) do not require customs import fees. However, some destination country customs agents may decide (unfortunately, it does seem to be at the discretion of the individual agent) to apply charges, and this is beyond our control and beyond the control of the courier. Usually this fee is around 17 Euro but can vary. In the unlikely event this happens, your courier will notify you if an import fee is due before delivering to you. We provide approved packaging for the return of the sample, but you are responsible for arranging and paying for return postage. The return package is low weight and does not require any special control. Please return your sample via tracked / courier service to the labs directly: Lifecode Gx, c/o WeWork, Unit 1 Provost & East Building, 145 City Road, London, EC1V 1AZ, United Kingdom. For international orders we include 2 swabs per patient so please ensure each patient does 2 swabs. This makes a ‘test failure’ at the laboratory much more unlikely, however in the very rare case that both swabs fail please ensure you note our returns / refund policy

All reports are provided in English. Unfortunately we are unable to ship to Spain, Canada or Russia at this time for export reasons. If you live in a country we do not ship to currently then please contact us and we will try to accommodate your request.

Q. Should I have any other tests alongside the DNA test?

As blood tests in the UK can be obtained for free under the NHS we don’t include this as a package price. General blood tests are not necessary but if you are concerned about your current health or have not had a general blood test in some time you may prefer to speak to your GP or we can offer a private full blood test HERE - this is for UK residents only and involves having a nurse come to your home to take your sample. Patients must be over 18 years old for this test. Results are provided separately to your DNA reports. We offer a huge range of testing so when a member of our genetics team is assigned to review your results they may feel you would benefit from other specific testing such as hormones (cortisol, testosterone / estrogen levels etc), microbiome gut analysis, food intolerance or mould / toxin testing. If any additional testing is required, this will be advised in your zoom call / written plan. *Note if you are adding multiple tests to your basket you only need to complete the patient form once.

Q. How long does DNA last on a buccal (cheek) swab?

As long as cheek swabs are stored in tube provided in the buccal swab kit, samples remain viable for up to 6 months

Q. I have seen other tests available online for blood samples - is this more accurate than your cheek swab?

Lifecode Gx are the labs we use in the UK to process your cheek cells as the sample type. They are an ISO certified UK laboratory and only do DNA testing, making them specialists in this area. This genotyping methodology has an accuracy rate of at least 99.9%.

The benefits being that cheek swab DNA collection is convenient and painless to collect, and samples are easily transportable and stable. The quality of DNA collected is as good as, and the results as accurate as, from blood or saliva. Your DNA is fixed at birth so this test is suitable at any age and you only ever need to do this test once in your lifetime. Cheek cell DNA samples are 99.9% accurate - blood has a very similar accuracy rate so whether you choose to have a blood DNA test or use our cheek cell DNA test the results will be the same.

Q: I currently have a cold / am taking certain medications - will this effect my results?

No. As we're testing the genetic code, which is fixed, the test is not impacted by illness, infections, medication, the food you eat, or supplements you take. To avoid contamination of the sample, please abstain from eating / drinking for at least 1 hour before testing. Continue taking all your prescription medications and supplements as normal but please note them on your patient form at checkout.

Q. When will I get my results and personalised interpretation?

Once you have ordered via our website you will receive an email notification when your kit has been shipped to you via Royal Mail 1st Class service for UK (courier for international orders). Please allow 3 working days for your kit to arrive. You can then freepost your sample back to the labs via Royal Mail 1st class prepaid envelope (note international orders are not free post). We will then email you to let you know your sample has been safely received at the labs and your genotyping has started. If you would like the video call option you can receive your results and appointment in approx 3 weeks. If you would prefer the written summary advice report this will be in approx 4 weeks. You will not hear from us during the time your sample is being processed unless there is an issue with your sample.

Q. What happens to my DNA after the testing?

Each test is processed in the ISO certified UK laboratory and all physical samples are completely destroyed after 3 months. All client genotyping electronic data is completely destroyed after 6 months. The client report, the data and the DNA sample is never (and will never be) shared with, or sold to third parties.

You can read about the role of genetics in neurodiversity HERE and supplements consideration for ADHD HERE.