Opening an Account at GenePlanet
Why would I want these service offered by GenePlanet?
It is appropriate to opt for Gene Planet services because they will be able to help you achieve a higher quality lifestyle from the health point of view, and from the standpoint of better utilizing your own features and abilities, which until now you may have not known, and because they can clear up any questions about where you come from and who your ancestors are.
What do I have to know about the service before I register?
Remember that Gene Planet offers informative services. With the aid of this service you will find out more about your genome, how certain gene variants are connected to certain body features or conditions and in which way is it possible to track down distant ancestors. The service also enables you to compare your genome with the genomes of other people or with data, which is published in scientific journals.
As written in the Terms and Conditions, the service of the company Gene Planet is informative in nature and is not a medical test for any type of use for medical purposes, making diagnoses, gene consultations or treatment.
If you intend to use the results of the service for treatment or other purposes, which were listed previously, you must immediately consult with your doctor, gene consultant or some other competent expert.
We recommend that you read the stated documents. While reading these texts, you will find out important things, which are related to the relationship between you and Gene Planet and the services, which we offer.
The Statement on Data Protection talks about the data, which we are going to acquire from you and about the fact that we are only going to use it for internal usage and that we are going to protect this data well. We ask you to read this text carefully as it is going to explain which data we are going to acquire and as a result ensure that it will be carefully protected and that we are going to protect your privacy from any third party.
Conditions for use talk about the general matters involving Gene Planet business operations and our relationship with you. It talks about matters such as an order, sending a collection of saliva with instructions, results, websites and your account, terminating an order and getting your money back,... We ask you to read the text carefully as in this way you will understand the basics, which you must know in order for our operations to be as effective as possible and without any inconveniences.
When opening an account we will ask you to confirm that you have read the above stated documents because we feel that this is one of your key steps in our effective operations with you.
What is a demo user and how can I use it?
A demo user enables a view of the services, applications and explanations of services, which are not visible when browsing the website as an unregistered user. If you wish to become a demo user, simply register and this service will be free for you. However, here you will not see the analysis of your genome but the analysis of some other person, which we prepared for you to browse. You will see all the possible similarities to when you will register as a customer and request our services, with the difference that these example results are not yours
How do I order GenePlanet services?
Upon deciding to order our services, choose the option »order analysis« on our website. Afterwards, the program will lead you through a series of simple steps, in which you are going to express your wishes. You will make a decision between ordering a package for yourself or ordering gift certificates, which you could give to your close ones.
For the order »your own package« you are going to denote the package and then forward us your data which we will need so we can send you a collector for saliva with instructions to your home and carry out the appropriate analysis. You also decide whether we should destroy the sample of saliva after the analysis or not, and please read below for more information. Also select the type of payment, which could be a credit card, PayPal, according to a statement with the gift certificate you received.
When ordering a gift certificate you decide on a package and then the method of payment. After payment is made we will show a unique identification password on your page, which you inform your close ones about who you would like to give a package to. Afterwards the numbers will remain visible under your username account and shall be divided into two columns. Unused ones, where there will be numbers which have not yet been used as payment for packages and used ones, where there will be numbers, which already have been used for the payment of a package. This is how you will be able to keep track of when your gift certificates will be used.
What are the methods of payment?
For methods of payment you can choose to pay by PayPal, credit card, a pro forma invoice or gift certificate.
When choosing PayPal or credit cards we we will send a notice to your user account when payment is confirmed and send you an e-mail along with a collector for saliva with instructions.
When choosing payment via invoice, a pro forma invoice format will be made, which you will print out. When we receive a notice on the payment of the pro forma invoice, we will notify you on your user account and email, and then send you a collector for saliva with instructions.
When selecting a payment via a gift certificate you will enter the number of the gift certificate, which you wish to pay with. The gift certificate has already been paid for by the person who gave it to you and that is why you will only have to verify or enter your data about where to send your collector for saliva with instructions.
Can I cover the service with an insurance policy?
Since services from the company GenePlanet are not intended for healthcare purposes, treatment or performing diagnoses and therefore only for informative purposes, your insurance company cannot cover these services.
How long can I access my data on a registered account?
Once you are registered in an account for our services, you can access it all up to the point of termination from your part.
Can I get a discount?
A discount is possible when ordering services for multiple persons.
Is there any difference if the entire family orders the service?
If an entire family decides to order the package a discount is granted. Furthermore, you can compare results with one another.
Can I order GenePlanet services as a gift?
Yes, you can order the service as a gift for a friend, family member or any other individual. In this case you can purchase a gift certificate. Upon purchasing a gift certificate you will receive a number, which you then tell the person you would like to give the gift certificate to. This individual then registers on our website and selects gift certificate as the method of payment. Then enters the number you told them and gives their information. Then we send them a collector for saliva to their address.
Samples, tests and data analysis
How can GenePlanet genotype my genome?
The company Gene Planet uses the most contemporary scientific results in the area of functional genomics. The magazine Science announced that genetic differences amongst people was the breakthrough for 2008, which can be mostly attributed to the project Human HapMap and the company Gene Planet expects to gather more information after finishing the project One Thousand Genomes, which it started this year.
For genotypisation we need a sample of your DNA, which is found in the core of every somatic cell – even in the cells of the mouth membranes, which are found in the saliva. In our laboratories we isolate the DNA from these cells and multiply them with the PCR method. This is how we divide up the multiplied DNA and transfer them to biochips. With biochip readers we then define the gene variant characteristic of your genome.
What kind of sample do you need to examine my genome?
We acquire a sample of DNA from the mouth membrane, which are also found in the saliva. Instructions for taking a sample can be seen on our website and you will also receive a package at home, which will contain the saliva collector, instructions for use and an envelope with our address and paid postage. Then put the saliva collector with your saliva into the envelope and take it to the post office.
Why do you need saliva?
Laboratories around the world have proven that this is the most suitable method as we acquire a completely sufficient amount for proper DNA testing. The method itself for taking a sample is also completely non-invasive and simple for the user of services, which they can carry out at home and pricking yourself with a needle in order take a blood sample for instance is unnecessary.
Where do I send the saliva sample?
Together with the saliva collector you will also receive an envelope, which is already addressed to GenePlanet. After taking a sample and putting it into the saliva collector, put it in the envelope and take it to the post office.
How much time do you need to analyse my genome or when will I be able to review the results?
From the day we receive your saliva sample, the results shall be prepared within 4 weeks. You shall be notified via e-mail about the information on the analysis of your DNA and the information will already be in your account on the website.
We strictly keep to deadlines in this company. There is a very small probability that, however, due to unexpected circumstances it can happen that we cannot make the deadline. In this case we do not give any refunds or make any reimbursements for waiting.
How is the process of analysing my DNA in your laboratories?
During our work we use microarray technology from the company Illumina. When we receive your saliva we isolate the genetic material (DNA) from it. After isolation we use this DNA in microarrays, with which we establish all the genetic variations.
What happens to my saliva sample after the analysis?
After the analysis your saliva samples will be destroyed, the results will be safely stored in our databases, on your computer and on our website. In so far as you decided to allow us to preserve your saliva for the upgrading of packages later on, we will also do this.
We recommend that you select this option. If you are going to decide on an upgrade of the package, you will not have to pay for the postage for sending the saliva. Your saliva will be safely stored with us and we shall not charge for storage services.
How does a results report look like?
The results will not be a dry laboratory report, which would be unfriendly to customers and required to be read. We developed a special software program to close the gap and also make it easier for customers who are in the area of human genetics.
The application enables for an insight on the analysis results for your genome. For each genetic variant, you will find out what role it plays in increasing or reducing the risk for a certain illness, what kind of impact it has on your body features and how you respond to different medication as a result of this variant. In addition to this you shall learn a lot about illnesses, how medications work, body features and lifestyle, all of which can be adapted to your genetic predispositions.
How does determining your ancestors take place?
In the laboratory we perform an analysis of markers, which we use to tell you your similarities with three world races - caucasian, asian and african. A pie chart will be created, which will tell you the percentage of relatedness to a certain race.
Furthermore, these analyses are used to determine your similarities with the main ethnic groups around the world. An analysis of the Y chromosome is also performed, which is inherited only according to the father. Based on theses analyses we rank you in a haplogroup, which tells you how your ancestors migrated around the world.
Is this only a one-time service/or will I receive any other information?
The service, which you receive when purchasing a Gene Planet package is not only a one time service. In the company, we are constantly working on increasing the offer. When scientists publish data, which we can use to give the probability of additional illnesses or features that are connected to your genes, we will perform this immediately. It depends on the analyses, which we had already performed if we are going to only upgrade your data for new illnesses and features or will another analysis of your genome be necessary for those markers, which we did not even use in the past. In the following case you will have to pay for the implementation of an analysis.
Interpreting results
Where can I get assistance for the explanation of results?
GenePlanet has developed a website application, which explains the data in a very simple way and with graphs. Of course, you can ask about anything that is unclear or any other question at info[afna]geneplanet[dot]com.This e-mail address is protected against any disturbances. If you wish to see it enable Javascript.
Are bigger or smaller risks calculated based on individual ethnic groups?
We determine the risks for illnesses based on the race you belong to. This is how you will find out how much of a bigger or smaller possibility you have for a certain illness in comparison with an average individual.
Why can't you give me a diagnosis for a certain illness?
The services at GenePlanet are of an informative nature and cannot be used for medical or similar purposes. The service only allows the analysis of your gene variations, which are not necessarily the reason for the illness itself. You can have a big impact on this with your lifestyle. This is also our aim – to change the method of living so that you live longer and better. Turn to your personal doctor for each drastic change in your lifestyle. The second possibility is to trust us with this desire and we will direct you to the appropriate institution.
How can I explain an increase in risk for a certain illness?
Illnesses on our list are complex illnesses, which depend on multiple variables (and gene variants) from your genome and the environment or lifestyle. Even if you have a multiple probability that you will get sick with a certain illness, this still does not mean that you will actually get sick. You have to understand that the data is based on statistical ascertainment for each individual separately.
You can also influence the results with a correct lifestyle; however, you should consult with your personal doctor before you make any drastic changes.
Protection of Privacy
Who else can see the information selected in my account on your website?
Only you can decide with whom you are going to share your information. The company GenePlanet uses only the most modern and verifiable means of security. Gene Planet has developed a system, which prevents a connection of your username with your true identity.
Since each person selects their own username and password, how can you be convinced that my information is truly mine?
Our system enables that the same username cannot be used twice.
Where is my information stored?
Your raw information is stored in our computer system, which is physically secure 24/7. This information is not connected to the World Wide Web. There are only results, which are enabled on our website and access the database. Contemporary security system enables for safe operations, prevents direct access to databases and prevents undesirable break-ins into the system. In addition to secure access, memory disks are insured for theft and the information on them is carefully coded, which additionally increases the security of your information.
The most effective protection for you information was achieved in a way so that they are not connected with you but only with your username.
Can I erase the information from my account?
This is of course possible. 60 days after receiving your revoked e-mail, your information will be erased and during this time you can again revoke the decision at anytime.
Does my insurance company have access to my information?
Your insurance company does not have access to your information from our side. You can decide on this on your own and you can forward some of your information to your personal doctor.
Do not forget, your information is stored at our company GenePlanet under your username, and there is no danger present in a third party contacting you personally about it. To be more sure, we recommend that as a username you use a name that has no connection with your name.
Can anyone establish my identity through a paid invoice or the address where you sent the saliva collector?
The connection between you and your information cannot be made. The information is stored on the internet and under your username, and even if someone wanted access to it, which is less probable because of modern protection, they would not be able to connect it to you. We acquire your information only when you carry out a package order and we need it so we can send them to your house. There is a bar code on the saliva collector and this code is connected to the username, which you selected. When we receive quality DNA from the acquired sample we erase your personal information (except your e-mail address). As result, a connection amongst a bar code, your username and the results remains.
In the event of a prosecution by the police or the courts will you submit my analyses results?
In the event of a court prosecution we shall not hand over the results of your analysis, as we do not know which results are yours. We only know which username belongs to some results and cannot know if that is you or not. We erased all connections between your personal information and your results and even a court order for these connections cannot be called back.