ActX Review Summary
Summary
ActX integrates genetic data into the electronic health records, which allows doctors to use this information during consults and appointments. Public data does not give much information on results or cost. Patients must already be affiliated with a doctor to take advantage of this service.
Pros and Cons
- Location: Seattle, WA, USA
- Services: Actionable genomics screening for doctors, patients, and healthcare systems
- Cost: Based on insurance coverage. Usually HSA/FSA elegible
- How it works: A healthcare provider authorizes the service for the patient. The patient enrolls, collects a saliva sample at home, and returns it to the lab. The patient and physician can see the results
- Counseling available: No
- How to order: Patients order ActX through their healthcare providers and systems. Interested parties can contact the company via its website for more details on how to integrate its services
- Alternative Products: Nebula Genomics offers 30X Whole Genome Sequencing that decodes 100% of your DNA and gives reports on diet and much more!
This review is written with the intent to be as unbiased as possible. However, it represents the opinion of an individual reviewer and is therefore subjective. Furthermore, at Nebula Genomics we seek to educate the public about the benefits of Whole Genome Sequencing. Information about our Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.
December 12, 2023
Table of contents
7 Facts about our ActX Review
Pros
- Integration with electronic health records for seamless healthcare provider access
- Updated database which analyzes genetic data with latest scientific research
- Compatible with 23andMe raw data
Cons
- Limited information about the cost
- Requirement of a healthcare provider might be a barrier to some
Introduction
ActX is a medical technology company that integrates genomics into everyday clinical care. The products are not for individual purchasing or use. Instead, it works with doctors and healthcare systems to integrate genomics with medical practices. ActX provides physicians and healthcare systems with real-time genomic decision support, ensuring that they can tailor medical treatments and prescriptions to an individual’s unique genetic makeup.
By bridging the gap between advanced genetic insights and practical medical applications, ActX empowers healthcare professionals to make more informed decisions, optimize medication efficacy, and reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions.
Founded by Dr. Andrew Ury, a seasoned entrepreneur passionate about healthcare innovation, the company has made genomic insights actionable for healthcare professionals. From its early days, ActiveX has had the conviction that a patient’s genetic makeup holds the key to more personalized and effective medical interventions. Under Dr. Ury’s guidance, the company has developed a comprehensive platform offering real-time genomic decision support, empowering physicians to tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles.
ActX specializes in the practical application of genomics in clinical practice. Unlike other services that only provide genetic testing, ActX integrates the sequencing results into the patient’s electronic health record. Using their regular workflow, physicians can see the results and the company’s actionable interpretation.
The Science Behind ActX
The foundation of ActX’s approach is recognizing that genetic makeup significantly influences a patient’s health trajectories, medication responses, and vulnerability to specific conditions.
ActX’s Genomic Decision Support system exemplifies this by analyzing a patient’s real-time genetic data and offering actionable insights. For instance, when prescribed medication, the system cross-references the patient’s genetic profile to anticipate how they might react to the drug, ensuring its safety and efficacy. This real-time analysis is rooted in the principles of pharmacogenomics, which studies the interplay between genes and drug responses. By pinpointing variations in genes that interact with medications, ActX equips clinicians with the tools to predict optimal drug choices and potential adverse reactions.
Beyond medications, ActX’s platform can detect genetic markers that signal an elevated risk for certain medical conditions, paving the way for early interventions and tailored prevention strategies. Additionally, ActX’s carrier screening can identify genes linked to inherited disorders for those considering parenthood, offering insights into potential genetic risks for their children.
One of ActX’s standout features is its commitment to staying updated. With the field of genomics constantly evolving, ActX ensures its database remains current, reflecting the latest genetic discoveries. Moreover, its seamless integration with electronic health records (EHRs) means this vital genomic data is embedded within a clinician’s regular workflow.
Review of ActX Services
ActX
The service personalizes health care using genetics and actionable insights.
ActX’s flagship offering integrates with Electronic Health Records (EHRs). It provides real-time patient-specific genomic insights to clinicians during their regular workflow.
For example, when prescribed medication, the system checks the patient’s genetic profile to predict possible medication reaction or efficacy issues. If genetics suggest the medication may cause a serious side effect, the system will automatically recommend an alternative.
The system also screens for hereditary risk for certain cancers, types of cardiovascular disease and other conditions by looking at certain genetic variants. This information can be useful, especially if discovered before the patient demonstrates symptoms. Then, the patient and their doctor can create a plan to improve future health. This is a screening service and not intended for the diagnosis of high risk patients.
Finally, it also screens for more than 230 genetic diseases related to carrier status. These are conditions that do not affect the patient, but may get passed down to their children.
Some patients may not want to know all their genetic health risks. For this purpose, the company offers the ActX Pharmacogenomics Service, which only releases information on the patient’s potential reactions to medications.
23andMe Service
With a physician’s authorization, ActX will analyze raw data from 23andMe customers. Patients will receive the same medical screening as if they used the flagship ActX product. This includes pharmacogenetics, hereditary risk, and carrier status.
The company current supports versions 4 and 5 of 23andMe testing.
Taking an ActX Test
Patients interested in this technology should see if it is available at their doctor’s office. If it’s not, the company provides informational documents on its website that the patient can bring to their doctor. They will need to register their practice for ActX real-time genomic services.
Once ActX is integrated into the doctor’s healthcare system, the provider will authorize their patient for the service. Patients receive an email with a link allowing them to enroll. The company sends a test kit to the patient’s home where they can collect a saliva sample and return it to the company’s CLIA-certified laboratory for analyses.
The patient’s genetic profile is made available to the ordering physician through the electronic health record and to the patient through either their patient portal or the app.
Review of ActX Cost
The cost of ActX is not available on its public website. Since patients must go through their healthcare provider to access its services, the cost is billed through insurance in most cases. The company’s website claims the service is inexpensive especially considering it screens broadly, instead of just a few genes.
Because a physician authorizes and uses the test, most patients can use HSA/FSA funds to pay for the service.
The 23andMe raw data analysis costs $95.
Review of the ActX Results
ActX emphasizes the importance of actionable genomic insights in medical practice. Its results and recommendations seamlessly integrate into a clinician’s workflow, providing real-time genomic intelligence that can guide clinical decisions.
The company makes results available to both the patient and the physician. Patients can see the latest information on a secure website or through the free ActX mobile phone app. Physicians access it through the electronic health record.
ActX notes that while direct to consumer companies like Ancestry and 23andMe provide entertainment genetics, like ancestry and traits, its services focus on medical genetics.
When ActX analyzes a patient’s genetic data, the results focus on actionable genetic risks. That is, these genetic variations have clear medical evidence that there is something the patient and their doctor can do. The results include clinical information on the genomic profile that is integrated with the latest clinical evidence and current testing and treatment practices. It also includes recommendations for more extensive genetic testing and consultation if needed.
The company continuously updates the ActX KnowledgeBase with the latest published medical research and reanalyzes patient genetic information. If something new is found, it updates both the patient and the physician.
The visual representation of the results is user-friendly, with clear indications of potential risks and recommended actions. This design ensures that healthcare providers, even those who may not have an extensive background in genetics, can easily interpret and act upon the genomic insights provided by ActX.
Review of the ActX Privacy Policy
ActX employ strong encryption and security protocols to protect genetic and personal data. While it uses this information to provide genetic insights and reports, it also might use de-identified data for research, ensuring it can’t be traced back to individual users. ActX stands firm in its policy not to sell, lease, or rent personal information to third parties.
If users are connected to a healthcare provider via the ActX platform, that provider can access genetic insights for better medical decision-making. Users maintain control over their data, with rights to access, correct, or delete their information, and can withdraw from ActX services whenever they choose.
Other ActX Reviews
On the ActX website, there isn’t a specific section dedicated to customer reviews or ratings. However, the company showcases its partnerships and affiliations, emphasizing its credibility in genomic medicine.
Since this is not a commercial product, there are no reviews on third-party sites like Amazon or TrustPilot.
Nebula Genomics
While ActX is tailored towards the clinical community, providing actionable genetic insights integrated into healthcare systems, Nebula Genomics is a direct-to-consumer genetic testing service. Although it doesn’t partner with clinicians, the latter’s depth is even more comprehensive than ActX.
With 30x Whole-Genome Sequencing, Nebula sequences 100% of your DNA to get to the root cause of every biological inclination. The test is incredibly accurate and includes other additions, including ancestry reporting and genome exploration tools.
Similar to ActX’s expanding database, regularly updated reports ensure that you will not miss the latest genetic research.
Nebula is not a diagnostic test, but the results are of the highest quality and can be used in consultation with health care professionals.
For only $299 or less, customers will get access to their entire genome, allowing them to continue to ask more questions as more research is conducted.
| ActX | Nebula Genomics | |
| Sample collection | Saliva | Saliva |
| Testing method | Genomic testing tailored for medical decision-making, integrating results with electronic health records | Whole-genome sequencing |
| Physician authorization needed | Yes | No |
| Purpose and focus | Actionable genetic insights for patient care | Health, wellness, traits, and ancestry information |
| Counseling | Prioritizes guidance from healthcare providers, ensuring patients receive professional interpretation of their genetic data | No, but physicians and genetic counselors can use data |
| Cost | – | $0, $99, $299 |
Did you like our ActX review? You can read more reviews on our blog and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.
Other companies
You may also be interested in clinical genetic companies that can diagnose certain conditions. Most require that a doctor orders the test.
- Ambry Genetics (risks of various disease types)
- Endocanna Health (DNA testing and upload options for cannabis use)
- Color (risks of cancer, genetic forms of heart disease, and medication responses)
- Fulgent Genetics (comprehensive diagnostic company)
- GeneDx (wide variety of clinical genomic tests)
- GeneTrait Laboratories (pharmacogenetics for a variety of health conditions)
- Incite Health (pharmacogenetics for mental health treatments)
- MelixGx (personalized recommendations for cannabis use)
- Oral DNA Labs (specialized diagnostic tool for oral health)
- Parsley Health (holistic medicine and health plans)
- Pathway Genomics (DNA tests for various health aspects, may be used in consultation with medical providers)
- Picture Genetics (at-home testing performed in a diagnostic lab)
- Strain Genie (personalized cannabis health report)
Rare diseases
Mental health
- ClarityX DNA (pharmacogenetics for mental health and other conditions)
- GeneSight (clinical genomic test for psychotropics)
- Genomind (pharmacogenomic testing for mental health treatment)
- Tempus Labs (oncology, mental health, and infectious disease treatment)
Tumor genetics
- Decipher Biosciences (tumor genetics for urologic cancers)
- Foundation Medicine (genetic analysis on solid tumors)
- Natera (circulating DNA for hereditary cancer and other diagnoses)
Carrier status
- Integrated Genetics (pre- and post-pregnancy tests)
- Invitae (diagnostics, proactive health, and reproductive health)
- Myriad Genetics (diagnostics, reproductive tests, and precision medicine tests)
- Sema4 (oncology, women’s health, carrier screening, and hereditary cancer)
- Veritas Genetics (disease risks, carrier screenings, and pharmacogenetics)
