Important Considerations Before Genetic Testing

Understanding What Genetic Testing May Reveal

Genetic testing can provide valuable insights into your health, ancestry, and inherited traits. It can also reveal information that is unexpected, sensitive, or emotionally significant. Before proceeding with Modulus Bio, we want you to understand the full range of what you might learn and how that information could affect you and your family.

Not everyone who undergoes genetic testing discovers something unexpected. Many people find that their results confirm what they already knew or suspected. However, some individuals receive information that raises new questions, changes their understanding of themselves or their family, or requires careful consideration about how to proceed.

We encourage you to think through these possibilities before testing and to consider whether you are prepared to receive this type of information.

Health-Related Findings

Genetic analysis may reveal information about your health that you did not anticipate.

Carrier status. You may learn that you carry genetic variants associated with inherited conditions. Carriers typically do not have the condition themselves but can pass the variant to their children. If both biological parents carry variants for the same recessive condition, their children may be at risk of inheriting that condition. This information may be relevant if you are planning to have children or already have children who could be affected.

Health predispositions. You may learn that you have genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing certain health conditions. It is important to understand that having a variant linked to higher risk does not mean you will develop the condition. Many factors influence whether a disease develops, including other genes, environment, lifestyle, and chance. Conversely, testing negative for known variants does not guarantee you will not develop a condition, as genetic testing examines only specific variants and does not capture all possible genetic contributions to disease.

Conditions without effective treatments. Some genetic variants are associated with serious conditions for which there is currently no cure or effective treatment. Learning that you carry such a variant may cause significant emotional distress. We recommend considering in advance whether you wish to know this type of information and discussing your preferences with your Modulus physician before testing.

Pharmacogenomic findings. You may learn that your body processes certain medications differently than expected. This information can be clinically valuable but may also raise questions about medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past.

Ancestry and Heritage

Genetic information can reveal things about your ancestral origins that may differ from your family's understanding of its heritage.

You may discover that your genetic ancestry includes populations or regions you did not expect. Some people find this information exciting and enriching. Others may need time to integrate it into their sense of identity. Your reaction will depend on your personal circumstances and perspective.

Genetic ancestry results reflect statistical estimates based on comparison to reference populations. They are not definitive statements about identity, nationality, or culture.

Family Relationships

Because genetic information is inherited, your results may reveal information not only about you but also about your biological relatives.

Unexpected biological relationships. Genetic testing occasionally reveals that biological relationships within a family differ from what was previously understood. This may include learning that a parent is not biologically related to you, that you have half-siblings you did not know about, or that other family relationships are different than expected. These discoveries can be profound and may affect family dynamics in significant ways.

Information about relatives. Because you share genetic material with your biological family members, your results may imply things about their health risks or carrier status. You may face decisions about whether and how to share this information with relatives who may or may not want to know.

Differing preferences within families. Family members may have different feelings about genetic information. Some may want to know everything possible. Others may prefer not to learn certain things. You may find yourself weighing your desire to share important information against a relative's preference not to receive it, or weighing your own desire for privacy against a family member's wish to know.

Emotional and Psychological Considerations

Receiving unexpected genetic information can be emotionally challenging. People respond differently to such discoveries. Some process the information quickly and move forward. Others experience significant distress that may take time to work through.

If you have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, please consider whether now is the right time for genetic testing and whether you have adequate support in place.

If you receive results that are difficult to process, your Modulus physician is available to discuss findings with you, help you understand what they mean, and refer you to appropriate resources including genetic counseling.

Limitations of Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is a powerful tool, but it has important limitations.

Not comprehensive. Modulus Bio analyzes specific genetic variants. It does not examine your entire genome and cannot detect all possible variants that may affect your health.

Not diagnostic. Genetic risk information is not a diagnosis. A variant associated with increased risk does not mean you have or will develop a condition. Conversely, the absence of known risk variants does not guarantee you will remain healthy.

Population-specific data. Genetic research has historically included more individuals of certain ancestries than others. As a result, the accuracy and completeness of genetic risk information may vary depending on your background.

Evolving science. Our understanding of genetics is constantly advancing. Variants currently considered benign may later be associated with health conditions, and vice versa. Modulus provides updated interpretations as scientific knowledge evolves, but no genetic test can account for discoveries that have not yet been made.

Your Choices

You are not required to view all categories of genetic information. Before your results are generated, you may indicate whether there are certain types of findings you prefer not to receive. Your Modulus physician can discuss these options with you.

You may also choose not to proceed with genetic testing at all. This decision will not affect your Modulus membership or the other services available to you.

Talking With Family Members

If you learn information that may be relevant to your biological relatives, deciding whether and how to share it is a personal choice. There is no single right approach.

Some people choose to share genetic information with close family members so they can make informed decisions about their own health. Others prefer to keep such information private. Some family members will appreciate being told. Others may react negatively or may have preferred not to know.

If you are uncertain how to approach these conversations, your Modulus physician can provide guidance, and we can refer you to a genetic counselor who specializes in helping families navigate these discussions.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counselors are healthcare professionals trained to help individuals understand and adapt to the medical, psychological, and familial implications of genetic information. We recommend considering genetic counseling before testing if you have concerns about what you might learn, and after testing if you receive results that are unexpected or difficult to interpret.

Your Modulus physician can provide referrals to qualified genetic counselors.

Questions

If you have questions about what Modulus Bio may reveal or whether genetic testing is right for you, please contact your Modulus physician before proceeding.

For additional information about genetic data privacy, state-specific disclosures, and your rights, please review our Important Information page.