Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about our carrier screening services
Getting Started
How do I get started with GenAssure?
Getting started is simple:
- Create an account and place your order on our website
- Receive your kit — we'll deliver a sample collection kit to your address
- Provide your sample following the instructions in the kit
- Return the sample using the prepaid shipping label
- Access your results online within 2–3 weeks after we receive your sample
How long does it take to get results?
Once we receive your sample at our NABL Accredited (ISO 15189:2022) laboratory, results are typically available within 2–3 weeks.
You will receive email notifications when:
- Your sample is received at our lab
- Your sample passes quality control
- Your results are ready to view
Who should get carrier screening?
Anyone planning a family can benefit. It's especially recommended for couples with a family history of genetic conditions or those from populations with higher carrier rates for specific disorders. GenAssure's panel is specifically curated for conditions prevalent in the Indian population.
Can I visit an offline location to provide my sample?
Currently, we operate primarily online. Contact us at support@genassure.in to get started, and we will deliver the collection kit directly to your address.
This approach ensures:
- Convenient sample collection in the privacy of your home
- Nationwide service availability
- Reduced contamination risks
- Easy tracking of your kit and sample status
Understanding Your Test
What is carrier screening?
Carrier screening is a genetic test that determines if you carry a gene variant for an inherited condition. Carriers are usually healthy but can pass conditions to their children. By testing both partners, couples can understand their risk of having a child affected by a genetic disorder and make informed family planning decisions.
How is GenAssure different from other screening tests?
GenAssure uses exome sequencing rather than targeted panels, giving you broader and deeper coverage. Our panel is specifically curated for conditions prevalent in the Indian population — not a one-size-fits-all import. All sequencing is performed in a NABL Accredited (ISO 15189:2022), PC-PNDT Approved, CGHS Empanelled, and DSIR Recognized laboratory.
Are your results screening or diagnostic?
GenAssure provides screening-grade carrier screening based on exome sequencing:
- Designed for informational and family-planning purposes
- Variants of clinical interest should be confirmed using an orthogonal method (such as Sanger sequencing) before making treatment decisions
- All analysis is performed in a NABL Accredited (ISO 15189:2022), PC-PNDT Approved, CGHS Empanelled laboratory
We always recommend consulting with your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor to interpret results and make informed medical decisions.
Can my doctor use these results for treatment decisions?
GenAssure results are screening-grade and designed for informational and family-planning purposes. Your doctor may use this information as a starting point for further investigation, but clinical decisions should be based on confirmation testing in a certified laboratory.
Clinical decisions should always be made in consultation with:
- Your treating physician
- Complete medical history and physical examination
- Additional diagnostic tests as needed
- A genetic counselor when appropriate
How long are my sequencing results valid?
You only need to take this test once in your lifetime.
DNA is inherited from your parents and the sequence is largely unchanged throughout your life. Sequencing results have no "expiry date."
However, the interpretation of your results may evolve as scientific knowledge advances. We continuously update your results based on the latest research — at no additional cost.
Do you update results based on the latest scientific advances?
Yes, absolutely! This is one of the key advantages of our service.
Every day, new research advances our understanding of genes, mutations, and diseases. A variant that appears harmless today might be associated with a condition tomorrow.
- Your results are automatically updated as new information becomes available
- We regularly review scientific literature and update our variant databases
- You'll receive notifications when significant new findings affect your results
- All updates are provided at no additional cost
What are the limitations of exome sequencing?
Every sequencing technology has limitations. Understanding these helps set appropriate expectations:
- Sequences the exons of protein-coding genes (about 2% of your genome)
- Disease-causing mutations in non-coding regions (introns, regulatory regions) will not be identified
- Detects single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and small insertions/deletions (indels)
- Does NOT detect large variants like copy number variations (CNVs) or structural variations
- May miss repeat expansions and some complex rearrangements
A negative result does not eliminate your risk of developing a genetic condition. Not all genetic variants have known clinical significance.
Privacy & Security
Is my genetic data safe?
Absolutely. We use end-to-end encryption, strict consent-based data handling, and maintain full audit trails. Your data is never shared without your explicit permission.
Technical Security:
- 256-bit AES encryption for data at rest
- TLS encryption for data in transit
- Secure, access-controlled data centers
- Regular security audits and penetration testing
Your genetic data is separated from your personal identifying information and stored in different secure systems. For complete details, review our Privacy Policy.
Will you share my genetic data with anyone?
No. We will never share your genetic data without your explicit consent.
- We do not sell your data to third parties
- We do not share your data with insurance companies or employers
- Research participation is completely optional and requires separate consent
- We comply with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and applicable ICMR guidelines for genetic data
Your Data
Can I download my raw sequencing data?
Yes! You own your genetic data, and you can download it anytime.
What you'll receive:
- BAM file containing aligned sequencing reads
- BAI index file for efficient data access
- VCF file with identified variants
- Quality control reports
These files can be analyzed using bioinformatics tools, shared with your healthcare providers, or used for further research.
Support
Do you offer genetic counseling?
Yes. Every report includes guidance, and we can connect you with certified genetic counselors for a detailed discussion of your results.
To schedule your session:
- Email us at support@genassure.in
- Mention your order ID or account email
What to expect:
- One-on-one session with a certified genetic counselor
- Explanation of your results in easy-to-understand terms
- Discussion of any concerning findings
- Guidance on next steps and clinical recommendations
We recommend scheduling counseling before testing if you have specific concerns, and after receiving results to discuss findings.
Still have questions?
We're here to help! If you have any questions not covered here, please don't hesitate to reach out:
- Email: support@genassure.in
- Phone: Available during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM IST)
Response Time: Email inquiries within 24–48 hours. For urgent medical concerns, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Billing & Orders
What is your cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellation Window: You may cancel your order at any time before your sample has been received at our laboratory.
Refund Terms:
- Full refund: If you cancel before we ship your collection kit
- Partial refund: If you cancel after kit shipment but before sample return (₹1,000 deducted for shipping and handling)
- No refund: Once we receive your sample at our laboratory
Refund Processing: Refunds are processed within 7–10 business days to your original payment method.
To cancel: Email support@genassure.in with your order number and registered email address.