Frequently asked questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about our analyses and products

Analyses

Which analysis is the right one for me?
  • I want to lose weight:

Our Metabolic Health Panel provides information, on which metabolic type you are. Additionally, we analyze your sport type and your genetic and epigenetic predisposition to lose weight through exercise. You will receive information about your genetic predisposition to obesity, cravings, fatty acid metabolism, sensitivity to salt, skin health, and much more.

 

  • I want to know my cellular fitness status and want to improve my performance:

Our Healthy Sport Panel (+) provides information about your hydration status, inflammation, risk of injury and regeneration, cardiovascular fitness/endurance, muscle status, and physical load status.

What is measured in the Metabolic Health Panel?

• DNA stability (Line-1 methylation)
• Inflammation (TNF-α/IL-6 methylation)
• Weight loss marker
• Inflammation and micronutrient related miRNA
• Fat tissue related miRNA
• Metabolic type (SNPs)
• Sport type (SNPs)
• Nutricosmetic (SNPs)
• Risks of diet associated diseases (SNPs, e.g., Diabetes, obesity)

What is measured in the Healthy Aging Panel?

• Telomere length
• Epigenetic aging marker (DNA methylation)
• Epigenetic inflammation marker (DNA methylation)
• DNA stability (Line-1 methylation)
• Evaluation of diet
• Evaluation of lifestyle

What is measured in the Combi Panel?

The Combi Panel is a combination of the Metabolic Health Panel and the Healthy Aging Panel and includes all biomarkers from these two analyses.

What is a Follow-Up analysis?

A follow-up analysis serves to assess the effectiveness of diet and/or lifestyle changes. It can be ordered after each panel. However, we recommend a gap of at least 4-6 months to the first analysis.

What is measured in the Healthy Sport Panel?
  • Cell renewal miRNA
  • Fat burning miRNA
  • Overload miRNA
  • Muscle vitality miRNA
  • Fitness miRNA
  • Regenarations- und performance miRNA
  • Muscle gain miRNA
  • Sport und lifestyle reflecting miRNA
What is the difference between Healthy Sport Panel and Healthy Sport Panel +?

The Healthy Sport Panel + includes certain SNPs in addition to miRNAs. Based on these SNPs you can find out which sport type you have – your genetic predisposition for strength, endurance, or a mixed sport type.

What is measured in the Stress Monitor Panel?

Based on the analysis of your miRNAs you will get information about your physiological stress level. Additionally, Stress Panel gives you an estimated risk for the long-term effects of chronic stress.

I have received an “Aging Panel” test kit, although I ordered another analysis.

No worries! You will get the analysis that you have ordered. The test kit with the label “Aging Panel” is used for all analyses. For all panels, that we provide, we just need the dried blood spot card with your sample and the filled-out questionnaire.

We are currently working on a new layout for our panel boxes that will be more suitable for our analyses.

Sampling

How does the blood sampling work?
The blood sampling is done through a prick with the lancet in your finger. Then a few drops of blood are collected on a special filter paper (the dried blood card).

The best way to do the prick is not directly in the fingertip but on the side of your finger. The skin there is thinner and a small prick is mostly sufficient for the blood sampling.

  1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Afterward, use a clean towel to dry your hands.
  2. Take an alcohol wipe out of the package (provided) and disinfect the finger that you will use for sampling.
  3. Remove the protective cap of the lancet (provided) with a rotating motion.
  4. Place the lancet laterally on your finger and push the trigger – you will feel a prick.
  5. Massage your finger directly above the provided dried blood card.
  6. Drop the blood on the printed circles until the circle is completely filled out.
  7. Fill out at least 3 whole circles.
  8. Label the card with the current date (sampling date) and your name.
  9. Let the card air dry for at least half an hour before packaging and shipping.
Do I have to do the blood sampling on an empty stomach?

No. The proximate intake of food or drinks does not affect the analysis results.

Can I perform the blood sampling on my own?

You can easily perform the sampling on your own. If you are not able or you are not comfortable doing it on your own, ask someone for help.

What can I do if I do not get enough blood from my finger?
  • Wash your hands with warm water before blood sampling
  • Massage your hand and fingertip
  • Do not directly prick your fingertip but do it on the side, where the skin is thinner
  • Drink enough water before sampling
  • You could use an additional lancet (provided) to prick another finger.
How much blood is needed?

Principally, a few drops of finger blood are sufficient. To ensure there is enough blood for all analyses, we ask you to fill out at least 3 full circles on the dried blood card.

How should I store the dried blood card before shipping?

After sampling, let the dried blood card air dry for at least half an hour at room temperature. We recommend sending the sample immediately after drying. That way you will receive your results faster. If you do not send the sample immediately after drying, store it at room temperature in the provided envelope.

Results

How long does it take to receive my results?

The analysis duration depends on the chosen panel. Some analyses are more extensive than others containing more markers and they take longer time to analyze. Normally, you will receive your analysis report within 10 to 15 working days, after your sample and questionnaire have arrived in our laboratory.

Can the recommendations be adapted on a vegetarian or vegan diet?

Yes! Our recommendations are tailored to your individual needs. Therefore you should mention in the questionnaire if you adhere to a specific diet or if you have any intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten). This is the only way we can take this information into account when we analyze your data.

Video about sampling

This video shows you how to easily do the sampling at home. Further instructions and tips can be found under “How does the blood sampling work?”