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Q. 01
[Genetic Testing & Analysis]
What is DNA? icon
DNA is a blueprint/storage that contains all our genetic information.
DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. Nearly every cell in a person’s body has the same DNA.
The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). DNA bases pair up with each other, A with T and C with G, to form units called base pairs. Each base is also attached to a sugar molecule and a phosphate molecule. Together, a base, sugar, and phosphate are called a nucleotide. Nucleotides are arranged in two long strands that form a spiral called a double helix. The structure of the double helix is somewhat like a ladder. Human DNA consists of about 3 billion bases, located in 23 pairs of chromosomes in nucleus. 23 pairs of chromosomes consist of one chromosome from each parent.
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Q. 02
[Genetic Testing & Analysis]
What age, or when would be the best to take the DNA test? icon
- Since one’s genetic information (sequence) does not change, a genetic test can be taken at any age. However, the earlier you take the test, you can start improving your lifestyle for your health earlier based on the genetic predisposition result of the test.
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Q. 03
[Genetic Testing & Analysis]
Do our genes change as we age? icon
- Genes that we received from our parents do not change over time.
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Q. 01
[General]
What is genetic Testing, Sequencing? Data analysis? icon
- Generally, a personal genetic testing has 2 different parts: (1)DNA sequencing using your sample such as saliva or blood, and (2)Interpretation of the DNA sequence data (which is in a form of raw data). iSearchme is an analysis-specialized, genetic raw data interpretation service.
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Q. 02
[General]
I do not have my genetic raw data. Can I use iSearchme service? icon
- To use the service, you will first need your genetic raw data which you can acquire from one of 3rd-party service providers following: 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage (or ichrogene Korea, if you reside in Korea.)
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Q. 03
[General]
Can I get a DNA sequencing test from ichrogene? icon
- Currently, we are not providing DNA sequencing service in the U.S. Instead, we are providing a service which provides a genetic analysis report based on your genetic raw data, iSearchme. If you reside in Korea, please contact ㈜아이크로진 at info@ichrogene.com for the test.
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Q. 04
[General]
Among the 3rd-party service providers, do you recommend a specific company's raw data for iSearchme service? icon
- Since iSearchme system will curate the uploaded data before analyzing it, there would not be a significant difference in the quality of the results based on the tested company. You may pick a company according to your preference.
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Q. 05
[General]
I have my raw data from multiple service providers. Can I upload them all? icon
- iSearchme supports multiple raw data upload. You can upload multiple raw data of yours for an analysis from combined datas.
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Q. 06
[General]
Is iSearchme (ichrogene USA) affilated with, or operated by 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or MyHeritage? icon
- No.
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Q. 07
[General]
Why do I need to consent before participation? icon
- It is important that you review and understand fully what you are going to be participating in and that your participation is entirely voluntary.
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Q. 08
[General]
Is my data and information safe? icon
- Yes, your individual-level information will not be shared with any third parties, nor publicly disclosed without your explicit permission. It may be used for research purpose only as a part of aggregated datas without any personal identifiers. For further details, please check our Privacy Policy and Informed Consent.
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Q. 09
[General]
How is my survey answers used? Does it help science? icon
- Yes, we are a scientist-found company. While keeping your personal identifiers, survey answers, and analysis results anonymous, in the form of aggregated data, your participation will help science to discover further about human genetics. Again, we thank you for your participation.
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Q. 10
[General]
I got a result which shows differences with my current condition or trait. icon
- Many traits, or conditions of our body are developed not only from single genes (Single-nucleotide polymorphism). Rather, there are environmental components (such as lifestyle, nutrition, fitness, etc.) that affect numerous traits. Also, interactions of two or more genes may bring different results as well. By analyzing your DNA sequence from the uploaded raw data, we analyze and interpret your genetic predispositions, meaning, the environmental factors were not considered in your analysis report.
iSearchme will be constantly updated from evaluations of the effects from various genes/environment interactions through continuous research and development.
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Q. 11
[General]
I am a female. Does my test result for male pattern alopecia (hair loss) mean anything? icon
- Male pattern alopecia is named ‘male pattern’ because a gene called Chr20p11 influences androgen(male hormone)-related alopecia. Regardless of one's gender, everyone has the gene and its chance of variation. Thus, everyone has a possibility ofmale pattern alopecia occurence.
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Q. 12
[General]
Can I use my genetic analysis for self-diagnosis or other medical purpose? icon
- No, you cannot use your genetic analysis result for self-diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or other medical purpose. The results provides your genetic predisposition and likelihood for certain traits and conditions. Please consult with a genetic counselor, or equivalent health-care professionals if you have any concern or questions about your condition.
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Q. 13
[General]
How can I contact ichrogene for other questions? icon
- Please contact us to info@ichrogene.com
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Q. 14
[General]
I want my data/account deleted. icon
Go to 'Profile' which you can find on the right top corner. Then, on the bottom of the page, there is 'Withdrawal from membership'.
Once your account and data are deleted, you will lose all access to iSearchme service and the future updates.