Patients & Families

Empowering every person to improve their life through DNA

Our comprehensive genetic testing services offer a DNA-driven guide to your health, enabling more informed decisions and proactive health management strategies.

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Diagnostic Testing Ordered?

Your provider has ordered a Helix genetic test — here's what to expect. From sample collection to results, we have resources to support you through every step of the process, including understanding your costs and your report.

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Participating in a Research Program?

Thank you for your interest in participating in our population health research program. We screen your DNA for increased risk of certain diseases like breast, ovarian, and colon cancer or certain causes of heart disease. You may even learn other genetic traits, like caffeine sensitivity. To log in to your participant account, click the link below.

Participant log in

"I was a three time cancer survivor, I really thought it was important to just participate in any type of [population health] study. I kind of wanted to know if I maybe had some other markers, but at the same time, I never, never expected to have a positive of any sort other than the BRCA gene that I already knew I had. I feel like it's empowering to know. I feel like I have control. I am riding this rodeo. I'm, you know, behind the wheel."

Michelle

Patient study participant - Ohio State Genomic Health

Patient FAQs

Common questions about genetic testing and results.

Genetic testing involves the analysis of your genes, which carry the instructions embedded in your DNA. Scientists analyze your genes during genetic testing to find small variations that could be connected to health conditions. Genetic testing is often performed to confirm suspected disease or to understand why certain health conditions are present in a family.

All of Helix’s tests must be ordered by a provider. If you would like your health care provider to order diagnostic testing for you, please direct them to our Customer Support staff at 844-211-2070 to get the process started.

Once your test has been ordered, you will need to provide a blood or a saliva sample. Your health care provider can help arrange this at their office.

After Helix receives your sample and your doctor’s test order, Helix uses specialized lab equipment to isolate the DNA. Your DNA undergoes a detailed preparation process and is analyzed using advanced technology called exome sequencing. Helix reads each gene multiple times to gather accurate data about possible genetic changes related to known diseases. Scientists review the data and create a report with the results.

There are three types of genetic test results: A positive result means that a disease-causing variant has been found. A negative result means that no disease-causing variants were found in the genes that were tested. An indeterminate result means that a variant of uncertain significance has been found.

Full Patient FAQs