Genetic knowledge has achieved an important new level of clarity and detail. Genetic instructions written in chromosomes can now be scanned to spot places where one has inherited disease-prone versions. For the first time, we have the opportunity to see where one’s personal genetic code has raised the odds of having a common condition such as diabetes or boosted the chances of a rare condition like Crohn's disease. The knowledge of how the genome misbehaves to predispose a person to disease is constantly increasing and becoming more accurate as the science evolves.

Navigenics Health Compass helps to understand what one’s genes have to say about the future of their health, and gives action steps to take control today so they can have a healthier tomorrow.

Conditions covered:

Navigenics scans one’s DNA for markers associated with many common diseases. They have rigorous standards for deciding which health conditions to include in Navigenics Health Compass. The condition must affect at least one in 1,000 Americans and only include conditions where one can take action after learning the results. In some cases, that action will be lifestyle changes to help prevent the disease. In others, it might be early screening or heightened awareness, helping shorten the time from first symptoms to diagnosis. In some cases, medications may help prevent or delay a condition. The association between the genetic marker and the disease must have been published in a top-tier, peer-reviewed medical/scientific journal and replicated at least once.

The menu of reported health conditions is being updated continually as new research comes out. Navigenics members are automatically updated by e-mail when new conditions are added to the testing panel. Patients can also choose not to receive results for certain diseases.

WellMax’s  in-house Genetic Counselors have been involved on a daily basis with the science and medical teams in building the Navigenics service.