What is the DNA Methylation Genetic Test?

If located in the United States, shipping your sample to TruMe’s lab is prepaid via USPS (United States Postal Service).

If located outside of the United States (international), customers need to pay for their own shipping. Please see next article “How to ship test sample from outside of US?” on shipping samples back to TruMe Labs for more information.

After collecting your test sample, it will be stable for up to one year an ambient temperature and would not be compromised during shipping . Note that when TruMe Lab receives your sample, it may take up to 72 hours to show as “received” in your TruMe account. If for any reason your sample is compromised or or has issues after reaching our lab, TruMe will provide a replacement kit.

Important: Please be sure your test kit is Registered and your Questionnaire is answered so that your test sample(s) can be processed by the lab.

SHIPPING & SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

1. CN22 Form (Customs Declaration). This form should be attached to the exterior of your envelope. Be sure to sign and date the form. Please add the following destcription: “EXEMPT non-biological solution dried on FTA paper, in th eplastic secondary container. Meets IATA Exemt status.” Weight 28g or 1oz, with total value $10USD.
2. Certificate of non-biological material. This form should be inserted inside your envelope with your test sample(s).

Additional notes:

• When shipping your samples, use an international courier service (e.g. FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc.) if you are not able to use “regular post.”
• Be sure to keep your package tracking number.
• Note that international customers must pay for return shipping.
• TruMe Labs does not cover any international shipping or customs related costs.

Do not eat, drink (anything but water), smoke, chew gum, brush your teeth, or use mouthwash for at least 30 minutes prior to providing your sample. For the best results please make sure you’re well hydrated. Collect a small amount of saliva in the clean spoon, and then transfer a small amount of saliva in each circle of your sample collection kit. Allow you alive to dry for at least 40 min. The chemicals of the filter paper would lyse your cells and fix DNA to the filter paper and preserve it. Your DNA is stable on the filter paper for up to a year at ambient temperatures.

To determine your true Biological age TruMe scientists are measuring the levels of DNA methylation within specific DNA regions. Methylation of DNA occurs on cytosine residues, especially on specific small DNA regions called CpG islands. These regions are usually clustered around genes and can affect their activity. Methylation of CpG islands by DNA methylates has been shown to be associated with gene inactivation and plays an important role in the development of cancer and cell aging. Reversal of DNA methylation at these sites is a potential therapeutic strategy as this reversal may restore gene expression and as the result improve physiological function of the organism.

The methylation status of a DNA sequence can best be determined using bisulfite conversion. Bisulfite treatment of the target DNA results in conversion of un-methylated cytosine residues into uracil, leaving the methylated cytosines unchanged. Therefore, bisulfite treatment gives rise to different DNA sequences for methylated and un-methylated DNA that can be easily detected by sequencing.

In the lab we sequence 9 small regions of your DNA, and analyze how methylated your DNA is. This information is further analyzed by our algorithm to determine how old you really are. Please note, we do not sequence your whole genome. We also do not store your saliva sample or your DNA. All biological material or DNA sequence data is deleted after our test is completed.

TruMe does not provide raw data in Biological age report

Our genetic tests are conducted in a CLIA certified laboratory. The protocols we use are suitable for genetic research only, not for clinical genetic testing like you would receive at a hospital or doctor’s office. Clinical genetic testing is held to higher standards and is done in laboratories, which are certified by governmental regulations called CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments). If you use the TruAge data for diagnostic purposes, you should always contact the doctor and have the results confirmed by tests recommended by a medical professional.

Sometimes TruMe reports an inaccurate Biological age. This usually happens when we do not isolate a sufficient amount of DNA from your sample. Or, if the sample is contaminated. The contamination usually happens when customs didn’t dry sample enough and we see bacterial or mold overgrowth on the filter paper. If you see what you think is an error, please feel free to contact us. Also, keep in mind that these are initial results. As people continue to join we will continue to update and improve your testing accuracy.

Results and recommendations are typically released within 1 to 2 weeks of TruMe’s lab receiving your sample and completed questionnaire. However, in some rare circumstances, there may be a wait time of between 4 to 6 weeks. Lab processing times vary on a case-by-case basis.