Intrinsic Genomics FAQ

Getting Started & Timing

When will I get my results?

Most customers receive their report about 6–8 weeks after their blood draw. Timing can vary depending on lab processing and quality checks.

How do I get tested?

After you order, you’ll schedule a blood draw with our lab partner (currently Labcorp). Once your sample is processed, your DNA file is securely delivered to Intrinsic Genomics for analysis and report creation.

What happens after my blood draw?

Your sample is processed by the lab to extract DNA and generate a genotype file. That file is then transferred securely to Intrinsic Genomics, where we run analysis and generate your report.

Health Status & Testing Questions

I have a cold—will that affect my results?

In most cases, no. Common illnesses don’t affect your DNA.
However, if you currently have or recently had an illness that required antibiotics (example: strep throat), we may recommend waiting until you’re fully recovered to support sample quality.

I’m pregnant—can I still take the blood test?

Pregnancy can introduce small amounts of fetal genetic material into a mother’s bloodstream, which could possibly affect certain blood-based DNA methods. Please contact us at CustomerService@intrinsicgenomics.com so we can recommend the best sampling option for you.

Do medications affect my DNA test?

Most medications do not change your DNA. However, certain situations (recent serious infection, major immune events, or recent transfusions) can affect sample quality. If you’re unsure, email CustomerService@intrinsicgenomics.com.

How much blood is needed?

About 5 mL (roughly one teaspoon).

I don’t like needles—are there other options?

Possibly. Email CustomerService@intrinsicgenomics.com and we’ll tell you what alternatives are currently available.

What if my sample fails quality control?

If the lab cannot generate a usable DNA file, we’ll contact you with next steps. Depending on the situation, that may include a second sample collected.

Using Your Results

What can I do with my results once I get the report?

Your report is designed to be practical. For each topic, it includes simple, actionable recommendations—for example, how to adjust meal timing, training style, recovery, or lifestyle habits based on your genetic tendencies.

Do I need a doctor to use this?

Not necessarily. Many people use the report on their own to help guide their wellness, not directly treat a disease. If you’re managing a health condition, are pregnant, or take prescription medications, it’s always smart to review major changes with a licensed clinician.

Can I share my results with my coach, nutritionist, or doctor?

Yes. We encourage it. Many customers share their report with a coach or clinician to help personalize a plan. We recommend sharing the full context (not just one result) so the guidance is interpreted correctly.

What’s the difference between “risk” and “diagnosis”?

• Risk/tendency means you may be more or less likely to respond a certain way (example: higher tendency to have blood sugar spikes from late-night carbs).
• Diagnosis is a medical determination made using symptoms, exams, and clinical tests. Our report is not a diagnosis. Although it can be used to aid the process, only a medical practitioner can make a diagnosis.
  
  

Science, Accuracy & What the Report Means

Are your findings backed by research?

Yes. Our reports are built from published, peer-reviewed research, including studies indexed through NIH-supported sources (such as PubMed). We translate that research into clear, practical guidance.

How accurate is the report?

Your DNA data is highly stable—your genetic code doesn’t change day to day.
What can vary is how strong the science is for each specific insight. Some findings are supported by many large studies; others are newer and still emerging. When something is less certain, we aim to label it clearly and keep the guidance conservative.

Does this report diagnose a condition?

No. Intrinsic Genomics reports are wellness and education tools, not medical diagnoses. They describe tendencies and risk signals, not guarantees.

Will my results change over time?

Your DNA won’t change, but the interpretation can as science improves. If you choose to store your results with us, you will be able to receive updated insights in future versions of reports.

How do you decide what to include in the report?

We prioritize findings that are:

• supported by credible research,
• relevant to actionable wellness choices (food, exercise, sleep, recovery), and
• understandable enough to translate into clear guidance.

How do you measure “Level of Evidence”?

We generally consider: study size, replication, quality of methods, consistency across populations, and whether results have been repeated by independent research groups. (We track this as High / Medium / Low label per topic in our records).  We only use studies with a high level of evidence, association and statistical significance in our results.

Privacy, Security & Data Sharing

Who sees my genetic information?

• Our lab partner handles the blood draw and processing. Their workflow uses a sample ID and does not rely on your genetic file being labeled with your personal details.
• Intrinsic Genomics receives a de-identified DNA file for analysis.
• Intrinsic Genomics is the only party that can connect your identity to your internal order record inside our secure system.

Do you sell my DNA data?

No. We do not sell genetic data.

Will you share my DNA with insurance companies, employers, or other companies?

No. Intrinsic Genomics does not share your genetic file with insurers, employers, or third parties unless you explicitly authorize it.

Can government or law enforcement access my DNA through Intrinsic Genomics?

Our policy is to not share your genetic data with outside parties. If we ever receive a legally valid request that we are required to respond to, we will follow the law—but our default position is privacy and minimizing disclosure.

How do you keep my data safe?

We use industry-standard security practices such as encryption, access controls, audit logging, and vendor agreements that restrict how data can be used. Only authorized personnel can access systems required to deliver your reports.

Is my data used for research?

Only if you explicitly opt in. Research consent is optional, and you can still receive your reports if you choose not to participate.

Can I delete my data?

Yes. You can request deletion by contacting CustomerService@intrinsicgenomics.com. We will stop using your data and delete it according to our retention and deletion policy.

What if I download my report? Can you delete that copy?

No. Once a report is downloaded, saved, printed, forwarded, or stored outside our systems, it is outside our control. You are responsible for protecting that copy.

Products & Comparisons

What reports do you offer?

We offer separate reports focused on real-world wellness topics such as:

• Nutrition (macros, timing, preferences/aversions)
• Fitness (endurance vs power tendencies, recovery, motivation)
• Sleep (circadian patterns, sleep pressure, recovery)
• We will be releasing additional reports quarterly

Is this the same as 23andMe or Ancestry?

Many consumer DNA services focus on ancestry and broad trait summaries. Intrinsic Genomics focuses on actionable wellness interpretation—turning research into more wholistic practical guidance you can use for nutrition, fitness, sleep, and lifestyle planning.

Eligibility & Logistics

Do you test children? Is there an age minimum?

Our service is designed for adults. If you’re seeking testing for a minor, please contact CustomerService@intrinsicgenomics.com so we can confirm eligibility and consent requirements.

Can I order if I live outside the U.S.?

At this time we provide reporting to those living in the U.S.

Payment & Reimbursement

Do you take insurance? Is this covered?

No. This is a direct-to-consumer wellness product and is not billed to insurance.

Can I use my HSA/FSA?

We do not process HSA/FSA payments directly. Some customers may be able to seek reimbursement depending on their plan rules. Please check with your HSA/FSA provider.

What if I already have DNA results from another company—can you use them?

Sometimes. If you have a raw genotype file, we may be able to use it depending on format and quality. Contact CustomerService@intrinsicgenomics.com to confirm compatibility.

What if I don’t want online access—can I just get a PDF?

At this time we only provide a downloadable PDF.

What if my report makes me anxious?

That’s normal for some people. Remember: most results reflect tendencies, not certainty. If you feel overwhelmed, take a break, focus on the simplest recommendations, and consider discussing your results with a clinician or coach.