.png?width=304&height=100&name=3X4%20Genetics%20Logo%20(Landscape).png)
How your DNA sample is processed
Once your sample arrives at the lab, it goes through a series of steps to turn your DNA into the genetic information used to generate your 3X4 Health, 3X4 Blueprint or GENEFIT Sport report. Lab processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.
1. Sample intake
On arrival, your sample vial is visually inspected and the kit code is scanned to check it in for processing. If any registration issues are flagged, such as an unregistered kit, our operations team is notified to assist.
2. DNA extraction
An extraction buffer is added to your sample, breaking open the cells to release the DNA. The sample is then amplified to increase the amount of DNA available. Finally, the DNA strands are broken up and concentrated in a process called fragmentation and precipitation.
3. Genotyping
Your DNA is run on 3X4's custom SNP microarray - a small chip designed to scan thousands of genetic markers and identify your gene variants. The array contains microscopic probes that act as templates for each gene variant; when matching DNA binds to a probe, a fluorescent signal is emitted that identifies the variant.
Genotyping is performed on the GeneTitan™ machine, which captures these fluorescent signals. The resulting data is then analysed and quality checked using the Axiom Analysis Software Suite to generate your genetic dataset.
About 3X4's custom SNP microarray
3X4's science team worked with Thermo Fisher Scientific to design a custom microarray, which was internally and externally validated in collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific and partner laboratories to confirm analytical accuracy and fitness for purpose.
4. Quality control
Quality control is performed on both the sample and the individual probe sets. For the sample, we assess overall call rate and purity. For individual genetic variants, cluster quality for all genes covered by our reports is confirmed to meet our standards before your report is generated.
To learn how 3X4 transforms your genetic data into a report using our patented DARWIN methodology, see Understanding DARWIN.