Helix DNA review – What can simplified analysis get you?

Helix DNA Review Summary

Helix is a DNA testing company that uses whole exome sequencing and provides various diagnostic reports. Read more in our Helix DNA review!

Honah Liles

Helix DNA test kit
Results
Price
Availability

Summary

Helix DNA is a testing company that offered whole exome sequencing for a reasonable price. As of late, this company has pivoted away from direct to consumer DNA testing.

4.3

7 Facts from our Helix DNA Review

  1. Location: California, USA
  2. Products: DNA testing based on whole-exome sequencing and COVID-19 testing
  3. Reports: Apps for disease risk and carrier status reporting (with result review by physicians); apps for ancestry, fitness, and diet recommendations
  4. Result delivery: reporting is provided through the individual apps in the Helix marketplace
  5. Raw data access: Users pay an additional $499 for access to raw DNA data (VCF file)
  6. Cost: $190 for DNA sequencing and first app; other apps available for free after initial test
  7. Alternatives: Nebula Genomics (Whole Genome Sequencing with regularly updated reports and advanced ancestry reporting)

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 test is therefore incorporated into the review.

December 27, 2021

Introduction

Helix DNA is a genetic testing and population genomics company and was previously a marketplace for DNA analysis apps. It first launched in 2015 with a “sequence once, query often” philosophy.

With the Helix model, users submit genetic information for sequencing once and have a variety of apps to choose for analysis. The apps analyze their genome for everything from ancestry to heart health. Since 2020, the company has scaled back testing and has refocused its efforts and resources to large scale COVID-19 testing.

Notably, Helix offers health testing in collaboration with Mayo Clinic, whose hospitals consistently rank among the best in the company. It also partners with major population health initiatives, like the Healthy Nevada Project. 

How about sequencing your entire genome? Nebula Genomics offers Whole Genome Sequencing that decodes 100% of your DNA. Compare that to Helix DNA’s microarray analysis that only looks at a few genes. We also provide new reports based on the latest scientific discoveries. Learn more!

Review of Helix DNA Sequencing 

The advantage of the app store model is that Helix sequences your DNA only once. Your genome is then analyzed by any of the apps on the Helix platform and results are provided based on your DNA. That means users don’t have to wait weeks for sequencing for each new test. 

Helix DNA used to provide a test called Exome+. This test kit was a whole-exome sequencing test, which additionally decoded some non-coding genomic areas of interest and mitochondrial DNA. Mutations that cause diseases are mostly found in the exome, the part of the human genome that codes for proteins. While this test is no longer available for individual purchase, organizations interested in using the assay for a project can contact the company for more details.

Review of Helix DNA Products

True to its promise to be a hub for DNA analysis apps, the Helix DNA testing store began to offer the following options available after purchasing a testing kit. However, as of 2022, consumer products and apps are no longer available.

The listed prices include the Helix DNA test cost of the initial testing. Additional apps can be purchased at a reduced price. Since the shift to COVID-19 testing, only the Helix DNA products remain available.

AppPriceCompanyDescription
GoalGetter$190Inside TrackerNutrition advice (e.g. lactose intolerance)
MyTraits AncestryFree for current usersHelixBasic ancestry reporting provided by Helix directly
Helix Wellness Free for current usersHelixFocuses on traits affecting nutrition, fitness, and weight
Women’s WellnessFree for current usersHelixFocuses on 20 conditions that commonly affect women
Mayo Clinic Gene Guide (no longer available)$199Mayo ClinicAnalyzes genes associated with 15 common conditions
GenePrism Actionable Insights (no longer available)$299PerkinElmer GenomicsChecks for 59 genes associated with “medically actionable conditions”
CarrierCheck (no longer available)$250Sema4Checks for 67 inherited conditions
Prostate Cancer Genetic Risk Score (no longer available)$199NorthShore University HealthSystemDetermines your genetic risk score for prostate cancer
My Traits Sport (no longer available)$145IntelliseqFor people who want to know how their genes affect their workouts
Diet GENius (no longer available)$145Re:PointWeight loss help
Heart Start (no longer available)$239WellnessFXHeart health information
Genetic Counselors (no longer available)$75Genome Medical Genetic counseling sessions up to 30 minutes

Review of Helix DNA Reports

Review of GoalGetter by InsideTracker

As of December 2021, this was the only DNA test available for purchase on the Helix website. It provided a personalized action plan to help customers reach their health goals. 

This product analyzed aspects of well-being including weight, sleep, aging, performance, and food sensitivities. Using these results, the platform recommended a fitness strategy and insights into how to fine tune diets. The personalized action plan also took into account personal preferences and habits. 

To purchase this product, a customer ordered a test kit, registered it on the online platform, collected a saliva sample, and mailed the kit back using the prepaid envelope provided. The customer received an email when the results are ready to be viewed online. 

A green sheet with the kit ID, the saliva collection tube inside a red box, and a  small bag and prepaid yellow box to send the saliva sample to the lab
GoalGetter DNA kit

It’s important to remember that this product does not provide medical advice and results are based on population-wide studies. What is true at a population level may not be at an individual level. 

Results can be obtained by logging into the GoalGetter online platform or printing an included PDF. 

Review of Helix DNA Ancestry

This ancestry analysis was available for free after being sequenced by Helix. As of December 2021, the only test available through Helix was the GoalGetter InsideTracker. The ancestry analysis broke down your ancestry into 26 regional groups by percentage.

Description of the Helix Ancestry app with a list of traits included on the left and a sample photo of the app view on the right
View of the Helix Ancestry app

The report also provided insight into specific adaptations that might have a genetic cause. For instance, it checked for a genetic variant found in people in Tibet believed to help them live in high altitudes.

Mobile view of a sample report page describing a user's High Altitude Adaptation
Helix Ancestry app also reports on ancestry-related traits

This was a very basic ancestry report. It did not give you information about surname origins or haplogroups or connect you to long-lost relatives.

Review of Helix DNA Wellness

This wellness analysis was available for free after being sequenced by Helix. As of December 2021, the only test available through Helix was the GoalGetter InsideTracker. The wellness product provided users with a basic introduction of how genes influence wellness indicators such as weight, nutrient levels, and fitness.

Description of the Helix Wellness app with a list of traits included on the left and a sample photo of the app view on the right
Helix wellness analysis

Traits analyzed with this health testing product included body mass index (BMI), calcium levels, gluten intolerance, vitamin D levels, alcohol flush, delayed sleep, and endurance vs power.

Review of Women’s Wellness

This women’s wellness analysis was available for free after being sequenced by Helix. As of December 2021, the only test available through Helix was the GoalGetter InsideTracker. It included over 20 traits that help analyze how DNA can play a role in well-being. 

This analysis was divided into three categories: body and skin, nutrition, and sleep. 

Description of the Body & Skin app with a list of traits included on the left and a sample photo of the app view on the right
Women’s wellness analysis

Body & Skin

  • Bone mineral density
  • Exercise impact on weight
  • Waist size
  • Resting heart rate
  • First menstrual cycle
  • Relative age at menopause
  • Tan vs sunburn
  • Freckling

Nutrition

  • Omega-3 levels
  • Caffeine metabolism
  • Vitamin B12 levels
  • Magnesium levels
  • Impact of saturated fat
  • HDL levels
  • Iron levels
  • Low-fat diet impact
  • Mediterranean diet impact

Sleep

  • Sleepiness
  • Circadian rhythm 
  • Sleep duration
  • Snoring

COVID-19 testing

For a while, Helix pivoted it’s focus away from testing to large scale COVID-19 testing using its CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited facility that had previously been used for genomic testing. These labs can process 100,000 tests per day.

The company supports tests with next-day turnaround time for health systems, employers, governments, and other organizations. It does not sell Helix tests to individuals. Each test costs $150 and the company works with partners to support insurance billing and reimbursement. 

The Helix COVID-19 Test is a real-time RT-PCR test that received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA in July of 2020. It is a nasal swab test that detects nucleic acid from the SARS-CoV-2 in upper respiratory specimens. Samples can be collected in either a supervised or unsupervised environment, allowing flexibility for when a health care professional needs to be on site. 

Helix DNA Test National Geographic

For three years, Helix partnered with National Geographic on a ‘genographic project’ to provide more comprehensive ancestry tests. The Helix DNA National Geographic DNA test kit provided a collection kit for a saliva sample, which the customer returned to Helix. Once the customer’s genome was sequenced, Helix transferred the genetic information to National Geographic, which provided deep ancestry insights. Known as Geno 2.0, the testing kit was discontinued in 2019. 

DNA Data Access

Access to raw data generated by the Helix whole exome sequencing cost an additional $499. For this price, only a VCF file is delivered. BAM and FASTQ files are not provided.

The company currently does not offer access to raw DNA data since it no longer performs its own DNA testing.

Review of Helix DNA Privacy

While your data is analyzed by partner companies, Helix collects and processes your saliva sample, and stores the genetic data. Helix states in its privacy policy, “We believe your genetic information belongs to you.”

Helix won’t share your information without explicit consent. When it receives requests from law enforcement, Helix evaluates them on a case-by-case basis. Helix also promises to always notify you unless legally prohibited.

Helix allows customers to close accounts, but it won’t remove your information from ongoing or completed research studies. If your data is in use by a research study or an app, you must contact them individually. 

Helix DNA in the News

Helix’s evolution has been covered multiple times by Business Insider. The outlet reported on the company’s initial 2015 launch. In 2018, it wrote an in-depth piece after Helix pivoted away from providing analysis itself and towards building a marketplace for DNA apps.

This piece in a lesser-known publication examines AdventHealth’s partnership with Helix.

Helix is also mentioned in this article in Time about what you can, and can’t, learn from your DNA. 

Helix DNA Reviews 

No longer offered, the Mayo Clinic GeneGuide test has three stars on dnatestingchoice.com. The reviews of the Helix DNA Discovery test kit, which is also no longer offered, averages 3.3 stars on Amazon. The company’s website lists several positive Helix DNA reviews from customers.

Helix’s mentions on Twitter mostly revolve around the company’s involvement in research projects on population genomics. The comments are predominantly positive. 

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Very affordable whole exome sequencing
  • Numerous apps available in the marketplace
  • DNA analysis app from Mayo Clinic
  • Genetic counseling included/available

Cons

  • Limited genealogy reporting
  • Multiple companies involved increase privacy risks
  • Access to DNA data (VCF) costs $499
  • Helix has pivoted away from direct-to-consumer genetic testing. Future support for its products and services appears uncertain

Nebula Genomics

At Nebula Genomics, your privacy is central. We utilize blockchain and privacy-preserving computing technologies to ensure that your information stays safe and secure. 

With our expanded report, Nebula Genomics offers free genetic analysis for users who already have raw DNA data from AncestryDNA or 23andMe. In addition, users who upload their DNA data will get personalized reports based on the latest genetic research through the Nebula Research Library. 

For users who want to know more, our 30x Whole-Genome Sequencing is more robust than the whole exome sequencing previously offered by Helix. Exome+ decodes about 19,000 genes, 300,000 non-coding SNPs, and the mitochondrial genome. In contrast, our full genome sequencing reads out over 6,000,000,000 positions in your genome. That is 100% of your DNA. 

We conclude our review with a comparison between Helix and other DNA testing companies.

Helix23andMe AncestryDNA Nebula Genomics 
Type of DNA analysisMicroarray (genotyping) Microarray (genotyping) Microarray (genotyping) 30x Whole Genome Sequencing
Privacy-focused No No No Yes (learn more
Free data upload options No No No Yes; Imputation provides expanded report 
Free updates based on new research NoNo No Regular updates (learn more
Ancestry reporting BasicYes YesDeep ancestry reporting with full Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing
Cost $0-$190 for the test plus the first app$99 or $199 $99 or $119 $0, $99, $299

If you are interested in genetic testing that will help you achieve your health and fitness goals, there are a lot of products to choose from. You can learn more about your options on our website including:

Other testing companies now offering COVID-19 tests include:

There are a lot of great supplement companies that may help you lose weight and get healthy (you can read about many of them on our blog!) But be careful! There are also dangerous experimental drugs out there like SR9009 and RAD 140 that are not approved for human consumption.

Did you like our Helix DNA review? You can find more reviews on our site as well as our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.

About The Author