Frequently Asked Questions

How to Prepare & Send Your DNAthete Genetics and Epigenetics Sample?

  • Log into your customer account at dnathlete.shop to start your sample activation.

  • Follow the step-by-step activation & phenotyping manual for login, accessing your order history, starting activation, filling out the phenotyping form, tracking progress, and retrieving your report.

  • Two-factor authentication via your email address is required when activating your sample and when retrieving your results.

  • Unscrew the cap of the saliva tube and keep the cap for later use.

  • Screw the funnel onto the saliva tube.

  • Spit into the funnel until you reach the 4 ml mark on the tube.

  • Provide the sample preferably in the morning after waking up.

  • If not possible, wait at least 60 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking before spitting to avoid contamination.

  • Unscrew the funnel and screw the original cap back onto the tube.

  • Shake the tube so the stabilizing solution mixes thoroughly with the saliva.

  • Discard the funnel and place the sealed tube into the provided bag.

  • Seal the bag and place it into the return box.

  • Attach the return label to the box, seal it, and send it back.

  • Once your sample arrives at the lab, it will be sequenced and analyzed.

  • When your analysis is complete, you will receive an email notification and can securely retrieve your report in your customer account.

How do I read the report from a medical perspective?

This product is not intended for diagnosis, treatment or general medical use, but is for information purposes only. Our offer is aimed at healthy people. We cannot promise that our report will result in a cure or any other success. In the case of complaints or illnesses, you should consult appropriate doctors, psychotherapists or professional nutritionists. We are not responsible for any actions, resources, diagnosis, treatment, relief or other avenues associated with the genetic information. You are solely responsible for any situations that arise from obtaining the genetic information through the use of this report. Our recommendations are not a substitute for a visit to your doctor and the associated medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, as they are not a therapy.

Who gets my test results?

In principle, only the person tested receives his or her individual DNA results. Written consent is required if the support team is also to be given access to the results. However, this makes great sense for a qualitative increase in athlete support.

What is the report based on?

Your test results are based on more than 2,200 evidence-based scientific studies. These studies are the result of international research published in scientific journals. Such publications are subject to strict criteria and are only published and released if there is a high degree of consensus in the scientific community.

Does everything depend on my genes?

No, because your genes represent a predisposition. But your body is influenced by your personal lifestyle. This includes among others nutrition, exercise or sleep patterns. As an athlete you know your body best, you know what is good or bad for it. This report gives you additional knowledge, in one word: sensitivity in dealing with yourself.

How should I handle my test results?

Each result of your test is based on scientific findings. The derived intervention measures per gene have been developed by sports physicians, sports scientists, training therapists or physiotherapists. Any lifestyle changes you make with the knowledge gained from this test should be reviewed with a physician you trust.

What is Epigenetics?

Genes do not lead a life of their own, so innate talent is not solely responsible for our performance. The environment also has a strong influence on our lives. The DNA sequence stored in the genes is not changed by environmental influences, but the modifications (variations) determine whether a gene is active, i.e. "switched on" or not. These modifications are referred to as epigenetics.

Are there differences in the gene tests?

Yes, there are serious differences! Some providers sell their genetic tests as "novelty" or even "fun" genetic tests. This means that they are not subject to the strict regulations of medical genetic analysis. The quality of the testing, interpretation and reports can therefore be poor. These genetic tests are usually not supervised by physicians and should in no case be a basis for health measures. Our laboratory is a human genetics laboratory that is not only ISO certified, but also subject to monitoring by government agencies. Furthermore, our recommendations in the report are based exclusively on scientific research.

How serious are genetic tests?

Genetics is a very young medical discipline. In many countries of the world, genetic testing is not yet clearly regulated by law. In the EU, however, there are already clear rules both scientifically and in laboratory evaluation. Our laboratory is certified according to ISO 9001. The EU-wide DSGVO (Data Protection Regulation) regulates legal and data security. In addition to quality and seriousness, these securities are among the cornerstones of the cooperation with our laboratory partner. The interpretation of your data is done on a scientific basis. Our human geneticists only use results from large-scale studies (metastudies) for the interpretation of your genetic data. With this approach on the laboratory and scientific side, we can guarantee that we work seriously.

What happens if I lose my results?

If DNA results are lost, we can reactivate the stored data using your customer code. We store the personal data and the DNA results on separate servers. Thus, it is only possible for us to recombine the data and create a result report.

What to do with bad news?

A DNA result is not a diagnosis or a judgment. It gives indications about the probabilities of genetic advantages and disadvantages (predisposition). If a predisposition for a deficiency or a disease exists, it does not have to be that it or it really occurs. Moreover, one can be active for or against a genetic disposition if one knows it. Every person has about 2,000 defects in his or her DNA. What matters is where and which ones. Anyone who regularly takes their car in for a tech service or goes in for a medical health checkup is mentally ready for a DNA analysis.

How proven are the test results?

Since we only test those genes that have already been researched several times in large scientific studies and whose properties have thus been clearly identified, the results are scientifically proven and therefore reputable. Our medical laboratory is involved in the publication of new scientific results. Only sufficiently scientifically validated new genes are subsequently included in our program.

Is it possible to test more or other things?

The human genome consists of about 21,000 genes. Of these, 3,200 are understood to function. The functionality of over 800 genes is considered scientifically proven. We can sequence all genes, but our interpretation of results focuses exclusively on the over 800 scientifically proven genes. These are of course the most exciting genes and open up a wide field of analysis possibilities. Of course, much additional information can be analyzed in specially designed DNA tests. We are looking forward to your requests.

How often should you do a DNA test?

Once the ovum is fertilized, a person's DNA is fixed for life and does not change. Gene functions are strengthened or weakened by our lifestyle. This is called epigenetics. However, the genes themselves do not change. Accordingly, a DNA test only needs to be done once in a lifetime. For identical twins, one test is enough.

Should I show the results to my doctor?

Yes, sure! The individual DNA results will provide any doctor, therapist, trainer,... additional valuable health information that will qualitatively improve their assessment. But please treat your personal report responsibly and share the information only with those you trust completely!

How long does it take to get the results?

The analysis of the DNA sample and the generation of the individual test report as well as its dispatch can take up to ten weeks. Then you will receive an email with a link to download your individual results.

What happens to unanswered questions?

The individual DNA results come with a detailed and easy-to-understand results report, which are largely self-explanatory. The first point of contact for questions is the trusted athlete support team (doctor, therapist, coach,..), who can answer many of the possible questions. The support team is trained accordingly. If there are any unanswered questions, all trained caregivers have the opportunity to ask our experts.

What happens to my test results?

We store the personal data and the DNA results on separate servers. Each test person can request the deletion of the data at any time. We do not share the DNA data under any circumstances. We use the anonymized DNA data for research and development purposes. If DNA results are lost, we can reactivate the stored data using your customer code (so please keep your customer code!). Please treat your personal report responsibly and share the information only with people you trust completely.

Who will explain my test results to me?

The best way to explain the test results and recommended measures is through the athlete's trusted support team (doctor, therapist, coach, etc.). We have trained the support team accordingly. If there are any open, unanswered questions, all trained caregivers have the possibility to ask our experts. The individual DNA results come with a detailed and easy-to-understand results report that is largely self-explanatory.

Testing and safety

Each report is finally checked and controlled by our medical experts. This ensures that we have really taken into account all your personal characteristics and can give you an optimal recommendation. The communication channels and your personal data are subject to the highest security standards.

Saliva evaluation and analysis

The saliva test is analyzed in the laboratory by our experts, evaluated and tested for specific DNA building blocks. The results obtained are combined with your personal characteristics to create a customized report for you.

Tell us more about your person

We match your DNA with your very personal characteristics. Before we get started, we want to learn more about you, your body and your psyche. For this purpose, we have developed a special set of questions that will help us draw the perfect conclusions for you. The preparatory questions can easily be answered by you alone or together with the medical support team. Along with the supplemental questions, you will receive a saliva test that will be sent back to DNathlete. Detailed instructions are enclosed and we are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Sleep behavior

"Some get it during the sleep" definitely applies to athletic performance. During regeneration, the physical compensation takes place that makes up the training effect in the first place. A good night's sleep is crucial for this. Your sleep type and your individual sleep behavior are (pre)programmed in your genes. Knowing this will give you insights for a more efficient recovery.

Mental performance readiness

The decisive thing happens in your head. How performance-focused you are in decisive moments, how risk-averse or how team-oriented you are, is also predetermined in your genes. Knowing this exactly helps you to make the right decisions in important moments and to prepare yourself more specifically and consciously for these situations.

Nutrition

The right nutrition is much more decisive for performance than you think. DNA analysis determines your individual nutritional type and provides you with valuable information about which foods work for you and how. This allows you to optimize your personal eating and lifestyle.

Training control

Better training makes the difference. The DNA analysis reveals on the one hand which type of stress you are and on the other hand how well you regenerate. With this awareness, you can structure your training much more effectively and thus expand your performance capacity.

Injury prevention

Only injury-free athletes reach their full potential. DNA analysis identifies those areas of the body where you are susceptible to injury. Knowing this enables you to consciously take preventive action. This allows you to minimize your risk of injury by means of a targeted training and action program as well as a diet tailored to this.