Home Improving healthcare through genetics Our test based on whole exome and genome sequencing provides the interpretation of extensive genetic information that can be further analyzed in the future. Clinically Relevant We use the most advanced technology to transform genetic data into clinically relevant information with the purpose of providing insights to improve a person’s quality and length of life. Physician Assisted All our services require counselling. It is vital that the correct analysis is recommended and that the findings are managed by a medical professional with expertise in genetics. Resource for life Our genome and exome based genetic tests generate the complete data of an individual’s DNA that can be reanalysed in the future to provide genomic updates or targeted studies as science advances. Our services encompass three areas of genetics All our genetic tests require a genetic consultation to evaluate which of our services is suitable. Veritas can support this process by providing pre and post-test genetic counselling to assess what tests are suitable, the interpretation of results and, if necessary, the design of an action plan for future healthcare management. PREVENTIVE MEDICINE The most comprehensive genetic service, based on whole genome sequencing, for disease prevention and healthcare. Genetic test to assess the risk for common diseases. Polygenic risk screening for common diseases. PERINATAL MEDICINE Non-invasive prenatal test that studies the most frequent chromosomal abnormalities. Screening for early childhood onset diseases. The most complete genetic care for your baby that brings together myPrenatal and myNewborn. Study of chromosomal abnormalities and spontaneous termination of pregnancy DIAGNOSTIC GENOMICS Hereditary cardiovascular disease risk. Hereditary cancer risk. Whole genome and exome sequencing for patients with a complex medical history or symptoms suggesting a genetic origin, in order to find out the possible underlying cause. Why are genetics important in preventive healthcare management? 17% 17% of people have genetic variants that increase the risk of diseases.1 20% Up to 20% of cancer cases are related to hereditary factors.2 20% Around 20% of sudden cardiac deaths are due to genetic abnormalities.3 5% 5% of patients are hospitalised for adverse drug reactions.4 86% 86% of people are asymptomatic carriers of a monogenic disease that can be transmitted to their offspring if the partner is a carrier of the same disease.5 9% Up to 9,4% of newborns may have genetic variants linked to early onset childhood diseases.6 Bibliographic references 1Hou YC et al. Precision medicine integrating whole-genome sequencing, comprehensive metabolomics, and advanced imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020 Feb 11;117(6):3053-3062.2https://seom.org/informacion-sobre-el-cancer/consejo-genetico.3Orland KM et al. Molecular Autopsy for Sudden Cardiac Death: Current State and Considerations. Curr Genet Med Rep 2019;7:145–152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40142-019-00170-x.4Bouvy JC et al. Epidemiology of Adverse Drug Reactions in Europe: A Review of Recent Observational Studies. Drug Saf 2015;38:437–453.5Hou YC et al. Precision medicine integrating whole-genome sequencing, comprehensive metabolomics, and advanced imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020 Feb 11;117(6):3053-3062.6Holm, Ingrid A., et al. “Thee BabySeq project: implementing genomic sequencing in newborns.”BMC pediatrics 18.1 (2018): 225. Comments from our customers The main reason I chose to have the analysis was to understand my genetics and how it can potentially affect my children. I believe that it is better to know and understand my options for prevention. Laura F., 36 myGenome gave me access to an important preventive healthcare resource, allowing me to know my genetic risks and act accordingly to improve my quality of life. Antonio S., 41 I am very interested in genetics and its importance in the future of healthcare. I chose to have the myGenome analysis because of the scope of information that it provides from my risk to cancer to interesting traits that have helped me better understand my body. Carlos Roberto M., 45 What is DNA? Your DNA is composed of a very long string of molecules. The information encoded in your DNA is responsible for everything from the colour of your eyes to how you respond to certain drugs. The age of genome begins Whole genome sequencing allows you and your physician to make better choices for your health and the health of your loved ones. SEE ALL VIDEOS Frequently asked questions about our genetic tests When is genetic testing recommended? Genetics has an impact on many areas of health and can be clinically useful both to prevent and diagnose diseases. At Veritas we offer you genetics for life, genetics aimed at living a healthy life. The first step is to request a consultation with one of our genetic counsellors. What are genetic test with clinical utility? GeneGenetic testing is based on the analysis of a person’s genes, Veritas tests are clinically useful because we perform an extensive analysis on select genes with solid scientific evidence. In addition, our geneticists conduct a secondary review on all variants discovered to ensure that all results are correctly validated. Who should consider using the services offered by Veritas Intercontinental? At Veritas we have a wide range of tests developed for individuals who are looking for genetic information to take care of themselves in a more proactive and personalised way. We also provide genetic services for individuals who present a series of signs, symptoms or medical history in which it is necessary to carry out a genetic diagnostic test. Depending on each case, our genetic counsellors will recommend the appropriate analysis. What is Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)? Whole genome sequencing is reading the billions of letters in your DNA, a long chain made up of As, Ts, Cs, and Gs. All your genes are encoded with this 4-letter code, so we analyze your sequence and subsequently look for changes or variants in the genes. What is the NGS? NGS comes from the English term, Next Generation Sequencing, and is used to refer to the set of technologies used to sequence millions of DNA fragments in parallel, improving response times and the cost of genetic tests. Before the implementation of NGS sequencing, sequencing a genome cost millions of dollars. What is DNA? DNA is the genetic blueprint of life. It is a complex molecule that is found within every cell of our body and contains all the necessary instructions to create and maintain life. It is an information storage system, a code written with four letters that represent four molecules: adenine, thymine, guanine and cytosine. The complete sequence of these chemicals makes up our genetic code, our genome. A single DNA molecule contains around 6 billion A’s, T’s, C’s and G’s, in fact, if you could unfold a DNA molecule it would measure almost 2 meters. Why sequence the entire genome? Whole genome sequencing allows all your genetic material to be read by creating a library about you. In this way you will be able to know the relevant information today to prevent and have access to updates in the future, accessing your library again. This trip makes it possible that from now on you can personalize, with the help of your specialist, your health care based on what makes you unique: your DNA. What does it mean to have a genetic variant? All people have thousands of genetic variants in their DNA, but it doesn’t mean that they will develop a genetic disease. There are variants that simply make us unique, others that slightly increase our probability of developing a disease, and others that require medical attention because they pose a risk to our health. Interpretation of genetic reports should always be done during a consultation with a genetic counselor to help you understand the information. It is bad to be a carrier of a genetic mutation? Each person can present alterations and variations in their DNA that give them characteristics that make them unique. Detecting these variations is a benefit since it will help to establish guidelines and opportune measures to reduce the possibility of developing the disease and / or treat it in an anticipated and more effective way. Will I suffer for a certain disease because I am a carrier of a disease of genetic origin? No, being a carrier of a genetic disease is common. Humans have two copies of each gene. Being a carrier means that you have a genetic variant in one of the copies of a gene associated with a recessive disease. In other words, it has one copy of the gene that works and one copy that does not work. Recessive diseases require that an individual have two variants (the two copies of the gene that do not work) to develop the disease, therefore, you are a “carrier” of a variant, but are not at risk of developing this disease. However, knowing this information is very important since you are at risk of having children affected by this disease if your reproductive partner is also a carrier of the same pathology. Can my Genome change over time? No. The genetic information of a person does not change, what advances is scientific knowledge for which fortunately we know more every day. For this reason, the genome is a resource for life and that can be consulted over time to find out new findings that have been produced thanks to the advancement of scientific knowledge. Why does pricing for genetic test vary so much? The cost of a genetic testing service is related to the technology utilized and the amount genetic expertise is required to provide the result. There is a direct correlation between the amount of DNA information analyzed and the more clinically impactful and reliable the result will be. At Veritas we use whole genome sequencing that allows for the capture and analyzing of all of a person’s DNA. Because the information is so valuable and can significantly impact a person’s future healthcare, we believe it should be managed by a medical professional. We support either directly or in collaboration with the prescribing physician the pre and post-test genetic counseling process where the results are explained and an action plan is established to fully benefit from the information provided. What are chromosomes? DNA is not dispersed in our cells, it is carefully packed into structures called chromosomes. We have 46 chromosomes in total, half inherited from our mother and half from our father. Located on these chromosomes are segments of DNA called genes, many of them contain instructions for making proteins, and it is these proteins that determine everything about us, from the color of our eyes to our susceptibility to disease. Do you want to stay up to date about the latest news from the exciting world of genetics and our activities? Sign up to our newsletter!