Tests answer different questions
Pharmacogenetic, predisposition, metabolism, methylation, longevity, and microbiome reports are not interchangeable. Review the exact product scope before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
Find direct answers about pharmacogenetic, DNA, and microbiome testing in Canada. Review what each test can show, how samples are collected and returned, when laboratory timing begins, and how to use a finished report responsibly.
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The product name alone does not explain the sample, report scope, processing time, or correct way to use the results.
Pharmacogenetic, predisposition, metabolism, methylation, longevity, and microbiome reports are not interchangeable. Review the exact product scope before ordering.
Published turnaround begins after an acceptable sample reaches the correct laboratory, not when checkout is completed or the kit arrives at your home.
Genetics and microbiome findings are one part of a larger picture that may include medications, symptoms, health history, diet, and professional interpretation.
Before ordering
A focused metabolism test may answer one narrow question. A broader DNA package may include several report categories. A microbiome test uses a different sample and describes a different type of biological information.
Review the product description, sample type, price, shipping arrangements, laboratory estimate, and report limitations before checkout. Contact support when the exact test coverage is unclear.
Question categories
Category 01
These answers explain the main differences between test types and their limitations.
Pharmacogenetic testing examines selected genetic variants that may be relevant to how the body processes or responds to certain medications. The report must be reviewed in context because genetics is only one factor in prescribing.
Gut microbiome testing analyzes a submitted stool sample to describe aspects of its microbial composition. It can provide educational information about the sample, but it does not by itself diagnose a digestive condition or explain every symptom.
No. Pharmacogenetic testing examines selected inherited DNA variants related to medication response. Microbiome testing examines microorganisms in a stool sample. They use different samples, laboratories, reports, and interpretation.
No. Testing is most useful when it addresses a defined question and when you understand how the report will be used. A test may not be appropriate when its report scope does not match the medication, health, or microbiome question you have.
Compare the following before ordering:
The documented KnowYourself package includes pharmacogenetics as one of several report categories, alongside health predisposition, inherited conditions, wellness, traits, and ancestry. Confirm that the medications or genes relevant to your question are actually covered before ordering.
No. They describe selected genetic findings or predispositions. They do not confirm that a condition is present, predict with certainty that it will develop, or replace clinical assessment and diagnostic testing.
The website provides an online ordering route. However, a doctor’s referral, prescription, or other documentation may still be required by an insurer, health spending account, or healthcare professional for reimbursement or clinical use.
Category 02
Follow the instructions supplied with the individual kit because sample and return requirements differ by product.
Have the correct delivery address, telephone number, email address, product choice, and payment information ready. For medication-related testing, keep an up-to-date medication list for later professional review.
Many health and lifestyle DNA tests use an oral or cheek-swab sample. The gut microbiome test uses a stool sample. Use only the collection method and materials supplied for the product ordered.
No. Activation requirements vary. Some broader products use a laboratory portal for kit activation, status updates, and report access. Complete activation before return whenever the kit instructions require it.
Only when the person has provided the required informed consent or when the person arranging testing has lawful authority to act for them. Testing involving a minor requires consent from a legally authorized parent, guardian, or other responsible person as applicable.
No. Different products may use different laboratories and return locations. Always use the return address and packaging instructions provided with the specific kit.
Do not assume that return postage is included. Return arrangements can vary by product and laboratory. Review the checkout information and the instructions supplied with the kit.
Yes. When tracking is available, retain the number and shipping receipt until delivery to the correct laboratory has been confirmed. Postal or courier transit time is separate from laboratory processing time.
You may be asked to provide a new sample. When failure results from a confirmed laboratory error, repeat analysis or recollection may be arranged without an additional testing fee. Replacement-kit, shipping, or repeat-testing charges may apply when the issue results from collection, contamination, storage, labelling, or another cause outside laboratory control.
Category 03
Product turnaround estimates are not delivery guarantees and do not include kit shipment or sample-return transit.
It begins after an acceptable sample reaches the correct laboratory and all required consent, activation, participant information, and payment are complete.
The estimate depends on the product. Current documented examples range from about 5–7 working days for focused metabolism and longevity tests to 30–45 working days for broader multi-report testing. Review the individual product page for its estimate.
Possible causes include postal or courier delays, missing activation or consent, incomplete information, sample-quality concerns, repeat analysis, recollection, quality-control review, holidays, batching, or laboratory workload.
Reports are generally supplied electronically. Some products provide activation, status updates, and results through a laboratory portal. Follow the access instructions supplied with your order and keep your login details secure.
No. A PGx report may provide information relevant to selected medications, but response can also be affected by diagnosis, dose, age, kidney or liver function, pregnancy, allergies, drug interactions, other medicines, adherence, and clinical history.
Do not start, stop, replace, or change the dose of a prescription based only on the report. Bring the report and current medication list to the prescribing doctor or pharmacist.
Not every genetic result changes treatment. A report may show limited evidence, no relevant variant, or information that does not alter the current clinical plan. That does not mean the laboratory failed; it reflects the test scope and available evidence.
No. It describes the submitted sample and may offer educational information. Symptoms can have many causes, and the microbiome may change with diet, antibiotics, illness, travel, age, and other factors. Persistent or concerning symptoms require appropriate medical review.
Category 04
Review the dedicated policy pages for the complete legal and operational terms.
Personal, order, sample, and report information should be handled according to the website’s privacy policies and the requirements of the service. Information may need to be provided to laboratories, couriers, payment processors, portals, and support providers to complete an order.
Review the Privacy Policy and Genetic Data Privacy page before ordering.
Keep report and portal credentials private. Share medication-related findings only with people who need them, such as the prescribing professional, pharmacist, or another healthcare provider involved in your care.
The core product price generally covers the collection kit, laboratory analysis, and digital report for the selected test. Shipping, taxes, return postage, replacement kits, recollection, or optional professional support may be separate unless checkout states otherwise.
Coverage is not guaranteed. Private benefits or a health spending account may reimburse some expenses, but eligibility depends on the plan, test, referral requirements, laboratory documentation, and receipt requirements. Verify coverage directly before ordering.
Eligibility depends on the order stage, including whether the kit has been prepared, dispatched, opened, activated, used, or returned to the laboratory, and whether processing has started. Review the Refund and Returns Policy before sending anything back.
Contact support promptly with the order number and delivery details. Keep damaged packaging and photographs when possible. Incorrect or incomplete delivery information may cause delay or additional shipping charges.
The website provides Canadian ordering information, but delivery and return timing may differ by province, territory, and community. Remote and northern locations may require additional transit time or courier review.
Use the Contact Support page. Include the product name, order number when available, province or territory, and whether the question concerns ordering, delivery, collection, sample return, payment, report access, or interpretation.
Start by identifying the exact question you want the report to address. Then compare the report scope, sample method, turnaround estimate, complete cost, and how the result will be reviewed. A test is less useful when its scope does not match the decision you are trying to make.
Related pages
These pages explain the process, prices, shipping responsibilities, and responsible report use.
Need a specific answer?
Support can help clarify product scope, delivery, kit contents, activation, sample return, report access, or the policy page that applies to your question.
Add the product name, your province or territory, order number if available, and whether the question concerns checkout, delivery, collection, sample return, or results.