Genovate Review Summary
Summary
Generally, customers value the results and have interacted well with the company. The prices are reasonable for the information provided, and the process is easy. With disruptions to shipping in 2021, customers have indicated a longer-than-expected wait time since their samples must be shipped to Canada.
7 Facts from our Genovate Review
- Location: 500 locations across the U.S.
- Products: Various advanced DNA tests, including relationship, health, fitness, and ancestry
- Cost: The prices range from $99 to $498
- Reports: Ready in 1-3 business days. The company does not offer sample reports on its website
- How it works: Once you receive the kit, you take a saliva sample from your cheek using the included swab. Mail it back and wait to receive your results through a secure online portal
- Raw Data Access: Information not available
- Alternative Products: Nebula Genomics offers 30x whole-genome sequencing that reads 100% of your genome
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.
November 24, 2023
Table of contents
Edited by Christina Swords, PhD
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Several Genovate tests available to choose from
- Kits can be ordered from anywhere in the world
- Results are generated in 3 days or less
Cons
- Health and disease tests have to be taken individually
- Although the cost of each seem reasonable, the cost adds up when you order multiple kits
Introduction
Genovate started as a forensic DNA testing company. It was founded by a group of Ph.D. scientists with many years of DNA research experience. Initially, the company offered DNA testing services only to government organizations, hospitals, law enforcement, and lawyers. Interestingly, Genovate claims to be one of the initial adopters of the mouth swab samples DNA collection method, having started it over 20 years ago.
Genovate currently offers testing services for both individual and legal purposes. In addition, Genovate has all major accreditations. DNA Services Unlimited is a similar company that provides these types of legal tests.
Genovate Review
Review of Genovate products
The tests offered by Genovate are divided into five categories, highlighted below.
Relationship tests
These tests help discover if a relationship exists between two or more people.
DNA paternity test: The Genovate DNA paternity test can be split into cases where the parties to be tested live in different cities. These tests can also be performed on individuals of any age and even on newborns.
DNA maternity test: Just like the paternity test, this kit can be split and has no age limit. The same level of anonymity also applies unless the results are required for legal purposes.
Other DNA relationship tests include:
- grandparents
- cousin
- sibling (including full and half-siblings)
- aunt/uncle
- twin
Health and disease tests
This category uses genetic information to determine if you are at risk for different health conditions.
DNA type 2 diabetes test: This product helps assess your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is based on several factors, including your genetic variation, family history, ethnicity, and how much exercise you do.
DNA cardiovascular health: An individual’s risk of developing heart-related health conditions can be linked to family history. Several genetic factors are associated with cardiovascular health risks. This test helps calculate that risk.
DNA hemochromatosis: This test examines how vulnerable a person is to hemochromatosis. This disease is most common among people of European descent and ancestry. Hemochromatosis can be treated if detected early, but has irreversible effects if not.
DNA narcolepsy: Narcolepsy affects its bearer’s sleep ability. This DNA test helps determine if your excessive daytime sleepiness results from this condition. This then enables you to make the appropriate treatment decisions. About 99% of people suffering from narcolepsy carry a defective gene.
Cardiovascular disease (ApoE) DNA: This one tests for the ApoE gene, which indicates one’s risk of developing a heart attack. The results help you take appropriate measures to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
DNA Alzheimer’s disease: A variant of the ApoE gene can put one at risk of Alzheimer’s, increasing the late-onset by up to 15%. The results can help plan to tackle the illness early and slow down its progression.
DNA osteoporosis: Some inherited gene variants put people at a greater risk of having weak bones. Osteoporosis affects the strength of bones and joints and is common among older adults. This test helps you prepare for this condition so you can take steps to strengthen your bones and slow down their degradation.
DNA skin health: Knowing the best practices and treatments for healthy skin is important. People have different skin types, and there are products that work for each. The skin health test removes the guessing game and helps you choose the products that meet your particular skin requirements.
DNA thrombotic risk: Thrombosis results in the formation of blood clots inside the blood vessels. A blood clot in the brain or lungs can be fatal. This test uncovers your risk of developing thrombosis and helps you take the appropriate measures to combat it.
Diet and fitness tests
These provide data on your fitness levels, diet, and weight.
The options in this category include:
- Diet & Fitness 3-Test Combo (includes nutrition, weight loss, and fitness)
- Caffeine Sensitivity
- Alcohol Intolerance
- Celiac Disease
- Fitness
- Lactose Intolerance
- Nutrition
- Weight Loss
Some of these tests provide insights into how your body reacts to certain ingested compounds (caffeine, alcohol). Others will describe which nutrients and exercise routines are optimal to help you reach your health goals based on your unique genetic makeup.
Behavior and traits tests
These may help you discover the relationship between your genes and personality. It’s important to remember that less research is performed on direct links between genetic variants and these kinds of traits. Most experts agree that these characteristics are a result of genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Tests in this category include:
- Male Pair-Bonding Gene AVPR1A
- Promiscuity Gene DRD4
- DNA Warrior Gene
- Anxiety & Depression 5-HTTLPR
- Female Infidelity Gene AVPR1A
- Wanderlust Gene
Review of Genovate ancestry tests
Ancestry tests help you trace your roots to find out where your ancestors came from. The ancestry tests available from this company are those for certain regions of the DNA: Y-DNA (traces the paternal line, open to biological males only) and mtDNA (traces the maternal line, available to both biological males and females).
Customers can order the two available tests separately or as a combo kit.
STD tests
These at-home options allow customers to test for the presence of STDs without needing to visit a doctor’s office. The testing is discreet and patients will receive their results quickly. There are four options:
- Chlamydia & Gonorrhea
- Common STD (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis)
- STD & HIV
- HIV
Taking a Genovate Genetics Test
The patient can order Genovate test kits without needing a physician’s prescription. The kits contain instructions and a mouth swab. DNA relationship tests include more than one swab for the parties whose samples need to be collected.
You can take a Genovate test from any country in the world, as it offers worldwide shipping services. Once you receive your kit, take the sample and send it back to the lab, where it will undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the DNA and compare it between potential relatives or known genetic patterns. Results will be available via mail or email and in the online portal 1-3 days after the sample arrives at the lab. The samples for a legal test must be collected by an anonymous Genovate representative.
Review of Genovate Cost
Genovate DNA test pricing ranges from $99 to $498.
Relationship: $99-$159 for tests that need two individuals (i.e., one child and the alleged father). More expensive options are available for those who need additional DNA tests (i.e., two children and one alleged father). Additional ones for legal purposes are also available and tend to be about $100-$200 more expensive than tests for private use.
Health and disease: $195-$349 depending on the type of condition tested for.
Diet and fitness: $149-$498, depending on the type and comprehensiveness.
Behavior and traits: $149 is the price for each one
Ancestry: $119-$238, depending on whether you’re testing for Y-DNA, mtDNA, or both
STD: $49-$99
Review of Genovate Reports
Customers can view their results in reports made available 1-3 days after receiving the sample. Shipping time and the need for a rerun may have an impact on the number of days you must wait to receive your test report. DNA samples that are not collected properly can also delay the processing of the reports.
The company does not provide sample reports online.
It is known that the relationship tests will provide a yes or no answer to the type of relationship tested for with high accuracy.
The health and disease tests sequence your DNA for specific variants related to the condition tested. For example, the type 2 diabetes will look for genetic variants associated with things like sensitivity to dietary fatty acids and how our body responds to insulin.
Diet and fitness tests will similarly analyze genetic markers that affect how your body responds to things like specific nutrients in your diet (diet test), how your body responds to exercise (fitness), or how well your body metabolizes certain compounds (alcohol or caffeine).
Review of Genovate Privacy
Genovate claims to maintain 100% confidentiality regarding your results. Access to the online portal where your results are uploaded is through a secure password.
Other Genovate Reviews
Several of this company’s tests are available on Amazon. These include the majority of the relationship ones (paternity, grandparent, sibling, twin, aunt/uncle, maternity, and cousin) and the DNA fitness. Most ratings rank them at 4 out of 5 stars, although there are generally only a handful of reviews for each.
The grandparent, paternity, and sibling tests have the most reviews, with just over 100 ratings each. The positive reviews describe them as accurate and informative. However, some negative comments, especially more recent ones, focus on the long wait time since the samples must be shipped to Canada.
Nebula Genomics
Nebula Genomics offers the most comprehensive DNA testing for customers who want a complete picture of their genome. It uses 30x whole genome sequencing, which decodes 100% of a person’s DNA in a single order. One of the advantages of whole-genome sequencing is that it reveals all there is to know about a person’s genes. So whether you want information on health, disease, or ancestry, whole genome sequencing has the answer.
The Nebula whole-genome sequencing is the only DNA test you will need to carry out to discover your risk of developing different genetically linked diseases as well as your ancestry. Nebula’s form of reporting is also unique in that you get weekly updates based on newer research in genetics. This means your Nebula gene testing results are never out of date.
| Genovate | Nebula Genomics | |
| Sample collection | Buccal mouth swab | Saliva |
| DNA testing method | An extended panel marker system | Whole Genome Sequencing (30x coverage) |
| Ancestry testing | Y-DNA and mtDNA | Deep ancestry reporting with full Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing |
| Raw DNA download | No | Yes (FASTQ, BAM, and VCF files) |
| Compatible with other services | No | Yes |
| Report | A single report provided at the end of testing | Weekly genetic reports based on the latest research and data (learn more) |
Did you find our Genovate review helpful? You can read more reviews on our blog and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.
This company offers a variety of tests for different inquiries. Other companies that provide different testing options include:
- 24Genetics (health, ancestry, sports, skin, pharmacogenomics, WES, and WGS)
- Chronomics (wellness and epigenetic tests)
- DNACode (fitness & nutrition, skin, and ancestry options)
- dnaPower (health and wellness DNA testing for diet, exercise, brain health, and more)
- Dynamic DNA Labs (at-home tests for health, ancestry, skin, personality, and more)
- Genebase (genetic tests for lifestyle, health, disease, traits, behavior, and ancestry)
- GenebyGene (diagnostics, ancestry, and special services for forensics and researchers)
- GenePlanet (European testing company for lifestyle, ancestry, and health)
- Genes for Good (research project with health surveys)
- HealthCodes DNA (personalized plans for wellness, nutrition, and fitness)
- Mapmygenome (preventative genetics, diagnostics, and Indian ancestry)
- MiaDNA (health, wellness, traits, and fitness for adults and children)
- Muhdo (genetic predispositions and epigenetics)
- Toolbox Genomics (various DNA, epigenetics, and health)
Other companies that offer these types of tests include:
Relationship
- Accu-Metrics (relationship tests, forensics, animal services, and more)
- AlphaBiolabs (paternity, relationship, and other health tests)
- EasyDNA (relationship and other DNA tests)
- Genetrack Biolabs (private and legal paternity and others)
- HomeDNA (paternity)
- Journey Genetics Testing (various relationship tests)
Ancestry
- 23andMe (ancestry, relative finder, and health)
- AncestryDNA (ancestry, relative finder, and health)
- HomeDNA Ancestry (migration history based on gene pools)
- iGenea (percentages origins, relatives, ancient tribes, and famous people)
- MyHeritage (ancestry, additional subscriptions for access to genealogy tools)
Diet and Fitness
- Athletigen (free upload and basic report; additional tests and reports available at an additional cost)
- DNAFit (in partnership with CircleDNA)
- Fitness Genes (data upload and DNA testing kits)
- Genopalate (data upload and DNA testing kit)
- myDNA (personalized fitness, diet, and medication plans)
- Beyond Body (Perfect Body DNA) (personalized diet book)
- Vitagene (diet and health)
