Product Description
Are you at risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
There are four categories of potential risk factors associated with the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis. These risk factors include:
Genetics
If you have a 1st-degree family member diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, your risk could increase by 4 times. While it’s a notable increase, it’s not enough to conclusively state that Rheumatoid Arthritis is hereditary.
Environmental
It has been proposed that exposure to environmental risks could trigger the disease. Pollution, chemicals, secondhand smoke, or even traumatic events could be enough to generate an immune response and trigger Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.
Hormones
Due to the staggering proportion of women who develop Rheumatoid Arthritis, experts feel there is a strong link between female hormonal changes and the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms. Hormonal imbalances decrease with age and trigger the risk of a potential disease.
Lifestyle
Smoking is the most strongly associated risk factor when it comes to the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis in patients. A history of smoking is said to increase the risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis by as much 2.4%.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease affecting over 1.3 million Americans and as much as 1% of the worldwide population. People from all ethnic backgrounds are at risk of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Researchers do know, that Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an autoimmune disorder and is triggered when a person’s antibodies attack the synovial joint fluid, causing chronic inflammation.
Women are up to three times more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis than men are. Women are also more likely to develop the disease at a younger age than men are. Rheumatoid Arthritis generally begins to affect people between the ages of 30 and 60 years old. The average person doesn’t develop symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis until they reach their 60’s.
How The Test Works
Order Kit Online
Create an account and purchase your test. Once approved by a Viazoi physician, we will ship the kit right to your home. It’s that simple.
Provide Sample
Provide sample using the collection kit, then ship back using the prepaid packaging.
Get your Results
Review your results securely online and discuss with a Viazoi genetic counselor to gain a better understanding of your inherited disease risk.
Results
Markers Measured
Frequently Asked Questions
ViaGene offers genetic testing profiles for both men & women.
Specific information is available on individual product pages:
- ViaGene M35 – Men’s genetic disease and cancer profile (35 genes included)
- ViaGene M72 – Men’s genetic disease and cancer profile (72 genes included)
- ViaGene M94 – Men’s genetic disease and cancer profile (94 genes included)
- ViaGene W25 – Women’s genetic disease and cancer profile (25 genes included)
- ViaGene W35 – Women’s genetic disease and cancer profile (35 genes included)
- ViaGene W75 – Women’s genetic disease and cancer profile (75 genes included)
- ViaGene W94 – Women’s genetic disease and cancer profile (94 genes included)
Reference Guide
A complete list of gene description with health conditions – click to view the complete guide.
DNA
A DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid is a molecule that encodes genetic information for the development and functioning of living organisms. DNA is composed of chains of subunits that are called nucleotides (also called “bases”). There are four nucleotides: adenine (A), cytosine (C), thymine (T) and guanine (G). The specific order of these nucleotides in a DNA molecule is the DNA sequence and encodes the genetic information, much how the specific order of letters in a word conveys information to readers.
Genome
A genome is the entire set of genetic material for an organism. The human genome consists of about 3 billion base pairs of DNA across 23 pairs of chromosomes, which are present in two copies in both men and women. While most cells in our body have two copies of each chromosome, sperm and eggs carry only one copy of each chromosome. When a sperm fertilizes an egg, the embryo now contains two copies of each chromosome, one from the father and one from the mother. Consequently, each person has two copies of every gene carried on a chromosome: one inherited from their father and one from their mother. More than 99 percent of the human genome is the same in all people. That means that differences, also known as variants, in less than 1 percent of our genome accounts for the vast diversity of humans across the globe.
Genes
Most genes encode proteins, which are a group of complex molecules that perform critical roles in our cells and bodies. The current estimate is that the human genome, which is all the DNA sequences in our cells contains approximately 25,000 genes.
DNA sequencing
DNA sequencing identifies an individual’s variants by comparing the DNA sequence of an individual to the DNA sequence of a reference genome maintained by the Genome Reference Consortium (GRC). There are different ways that one person’s DNA sequence can differ from the reference DNA sequence, some of which are:
- Deletions are when there are missing nucleotides, relative to the reference sequence.
- Substitutions are when multiple nucleotides are altered from the reference sequence.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (“SNPs”, pronounced “snips”) are DNA sequence variations that occur when a single nucleotide differs from the reference DNA sequence.
- Insertions are when additional nucleotides inserted in a DNA sequence, relative to the reference sequence.
- Structural variants are changes where large sections of a chromosome or even whole chromosomes are duplicated, deleted or rearranged in some manner.
Variants and Variation
The average person’s genome has millions of variants. Some variants occur in genes but most occur in DNA sequences outside of genes. A small number of variants have been linked with diseases, but most variants have unknown effects. Some variants contribute to the differences between humans, such as different eye colors and blood types.
Classification of Variant types:
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) has developed guidelines for the classification of DNA sequence variants:
- Pathogenic and likely Pathogenic (VLP) is a genetic alteration that increases an individual’s susceptibility or predisposition to a certain disease or disorder and has been previously reported and recognized to have a high association with the disorder.
- VUS (Variant of Unknown Significance) is a variant form of a gene, which has been identified through genetic testing, but whose significance to the function or health of an organism is not known.
- Likely Benign (VLB) is a sequence variant for which there is strong evidence against pathogenicity.
- Benign is a sequence variant for which there is very strong evidence against pathogenicity. Benign alterations are not routinely included in results reports.
Understanding the effects of variants is a very complicated process. While there are many publicly available sources of information about variants and their classification based on ACMG guidelines that link variants to diseases, knowledge about variants is constantly evolving and inconsistencies and inaccuracies can be found in these sources. Any health-related matters should be directed to your doctor or another qualified medical professional.
References:
Alberts, B., et al (2008). Molecular biology of the cell. New York, NY: Garland Science; Hartl, D.L. Jones, E.W. (2005). Genetics: analysis of genes and genomes. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Pesaran T, et al. Beyond DNA: An Integrated and Functional Approach for Classifying Germline Variants in Breast Cancer Genes. Int J Breast Cancer. 2016;2016:2469523.
Richards S, et al. Standards and guidelines for the interpretation of sequence variants: a joint consensus recommendation of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. Genet Med. 2015 May;17(5):405-24. Caleshu C, et al. Use and interpretation of genetic tests in cardiovascular genetics. Heart. 2010 Oct;96(20):1669-75. Plon SE, et al. Sequence variant classification and reporting: recommendations for improving the interpretation of cancer susceptibility genetic test results. Hum Mutat. 2008 Nov;29(11):1282-91.
The process is simple and quick for all available tests.
- Rinse your mouth with water and wait for 10 minutes.
- Spit into the Collection Funnel until the liquid saliva reaches the necessary level in the Collection Tube. (2ml)
- Twist & remove the tip of the Preservative Ampoule. (yellow liquid)
- Squeeze the Preservation Ampoule to empty the entire contents into the Collection Tube.
- Screw on the cap of the Collection Tube to close it tightly.
- Shake well to mix. (for 10 seconds)
- Place the Collection Tube back in the Collection Tray, place the Collection Tray back in the box – and ship it back to Viazoi.
- Dispose of Preservative Tube with the tip in the garbage.
At Viazoi, we encourage healthy lifestyle choices and proper preventive screenings. By combining your genetic information with your family health history, we can help provide guidelines for your primary care physician to use in creating a personalized proactive health care plan. We provide advanced and affordable access to genetic testing, a personalized support system, and a lifetime commitment to private and accurate results that you can trust. Your health matters to us.
Genetic testing is a tool used to identify those hereditary variations in our DNA that may indicate a predisposition for certain health conditions including cancers. Results will not confirm whether or not you will develop cancer.
- A large percentage of people will receive a negative result. This indicates that a specific variation(s) were was not identified.
- A small percentage of people will receive a positive result. This indicates the presence of a specific variation(s).
The results of genetic tests are not always straightforward, which often makes them challenging to interpret and explain. Therefore, it is important for individuals and their families to ask questions about the potential meaning of genetic test results both before and after the test is performed. When interpreting test results, your primary care physician will consider a person’s medical history, family history, and the type of genetic test that was done.
Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can identify inherited mutations or predispositions that may have health implication. More than 1,000 genetic tests are currently in use, and more are being developed.
Most cases of breast cancer are not caused by inherited genetic factors. These cancers are associated with somatic mutations in breast cells that are acquired during a person’s lifetime, and they do not cluster in families.
In hereditary breast cancer, the way that cancer risk is inherited depends on the gene involved. For example, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to increase a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although breast cancer is more common in women than in men, the mutated gene can be inherited from either the mother or the father.
Viazoi offers doctor-reviewed and approved genetic testing that can profile up to 94 genes. These 94 genes have been found to have a correlation with over 100 health conditions and the results can give you important information in order to develop a proactive wellness regimen with your doctor. In addition to profiling more genes, we offer genetic testing with every purchase. We, at Viazoi, want to support your wellness journey by being there when you need it.
Results from the Viazoi testing will not give you a diagnosis or mean that you will definitely develop cancer in your lifetime. Your actual risk is based on both genetic and non-genetic factors.
Viazoi offers the following tests.
Personalized for Men:
Prevalent Cancers (35 genes) is composed of a genetic testing profile to include 35 different genes. The subject panel provides genetic information on 35 genes associated with lung, colorectal, pancreas, prostate, liver and stomach cancers.
Personalized for Women:
Breast & Ovarian Cancer (25 genes) is composed of a genetic testing profile to include 25 different genes. The subject panel provides genetic information on 25 genes associated with breast, ovarian, Lynch and Cowden syndromes.
Prevalent Cancers (35 genes) is composed of a genetic testing profile to include 35 different genes. The subject panel provides genetic information on 35 genes associated with breast, ovarian, Lynch and Cowden syndromes, lung, colorectal, uterine, and pancreas.
Personalized for both Men and Women:
Comprehensive Health (94 genes) is composed of a genetic testing profile to include 94 different genes. The subject panel provides genetic information on 94 genes associated with breast, ovarian, Lynch and Cowden syndromes, lung, colorectal, uterine, pancreas, kidney, prostate stomach/GI, leukemia, endocrine, liver, esophagus, melanoma, bladder, bone, Fanconi anemia and nervous system.
Please click to view the complete list of gene descriptions with related health conditions.
ViaGene tests are available online, or you can purchase them through participating physicians. Tests are available in the USA & are shipped nationwide with the exception of New York.
You have the option to speak with your primary care physician and/or Viazoi offers an in-house support team including a genetic counselor to talk through the results, concerns or questions.
ViaGene, a product of Viazoi, is a personal genetic testing resource focused on preventive and personalized healthcare. ViaGene tests identify known genetic variants in your DNA using provided saliva sample. The genetic risk profiles are not diagnostic in nature and should not be used as one. Results with greater risks for certain conditions do not necessarily mean that the patient will get that condition either now or in the future. It is important to keep in mind that genes do not act by themselves in determining your health condition and longevity. DNA is only one of the factors that matter, and genetic testing information should mainly be considered to learn ‘how DNA relates to these traits’. Environmental factors and lifestyle-related factors heavily influence the outcome of many health conditions. Thus, ViaGene assesses genetic variations to determine what you are genetically predisposed to.
Additionally, science and knowledge in the genetic testing area change quickly, and this website should not be considered error-free or as a comprehensive source of all information on a given topic.
Customers who purchase products of Viazoi should do so with the understanding that health results are not and will not be made available to them.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Your results will be available to you only. You can choose to share it with your friends and family. This information can connect your biology to others areas of you life from products to wellness plans.
Genetic testing is voluntary. Because testing has benefits as well as limitations and risks, the decision about whether to be tested is a personal and complex one. A physician should help by providing information about the pros and cons of the test (guidance) and discussing the social and emotional aspects of testing.
No. ViaGene tests are not diagnostic in nature and should not be used as one. Results with greater risks for certain conditions do not necessarily mean that the patient will get that condition either now or in the future.
It is important to keep in mind that genes do not act by themselves in determining your health condition and longevity. DNA is only one of the factors that matter, and genetic testing information should mainly be considered to learn ‘how DNA relates to these traits’. Environmental factors and lifestyle-related factors heavily influence the outcome of many health conditions. Thus, ViaGene assesses genetic variations to determine what you are genetically predisposed to.
