Integrated Genetics review – Family genetic risks made easy?

Integrated Genetics Review Summary

Labcorp Women’s Health provides pre- and post- preganancy tests for mothers and babies. Learn more in our Integrated Genetics review!

Fiyin Ebemidayo

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Summary

Integrated Genetics prenatal and pregnancy tests are normally covered by insurance or payment programs. The company also offers genetic counseling to support both patients and physicians.

4.7

7 Facts from the Integrated Genetics Review

  1. Location: Westborough, Massachusetts
  2. Products: Various pre-pregnancy carrier screenings and pregnancy tests for genetic health
  3. Costs: To access product prices, you must request a quote using the user friendly cost estimator on its website
  4. Reports: Details regarding whether you or your baby test positive or negative for a certain disease or abnormality
  5. Privacy: HIPAA covers it, and it does not collect data you do not submit except for general information like IP addresses
  6. Raw data access: You cannot access the raw data 
  7. Complementary product: Nebula Genomics (Whole Genome Sequencing with regularly updated reports (incl. diet), data exploration tools, 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 DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.

September 12, 2022

Disclaimer. Integrated Genetics no longer lives as IntegratedGenetics.com. The company that acquired it years ago (Labcorp) has renamed it “Women’s Health” and added more services to the product. But the main core of services remains the same, and this review has been updated accordingly.

This review includes information using the previous name.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Experts in various prenatal testing procedures as well as general women’s health
  • Various payment help programs
  • Genetic counselors

Cons

  • Reports can be complex for the general public
  • No whole-genome sequencing

Integrated Genetics Introduction

Integrated Genetics (Integrated Genetics Labcorp Specialty Testing Group) specializes in women’s health, specifically pre-pregnancy and pregnancy genetic tests. It is part of a company known as Labcorp Specialty Testing Group, an expert in various testing procedures. Its official trademark is 2021 Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings. Labcorp Women’s Health conducts about 250 million tests yearly on women ranging from infertility to testing for disorders in pregnancies and general women’s health. 

Under the name Integrated Genetics the company has offered tests for reproductive genetic testing for over 25 years.

The pre-pregnancy health tests focus on carrier screenings to detect a baby’s risk for a specific inherited disorder, such as cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy. Others provide information on the genetic health of your baby in the first and second trimesters.

Homepage banner photo featuring an older Asian woman hugging and laughing with a younger Asian woman, both with eyes closed. The name of the company appears on the top left and links to several pages on the right
Women’s Health homepage

Women’s Health also offers genetic counseling to both patients and health care providers. While clinical genetic counselors provide support for its patients, laboratory genetic counselors support health professionals.

The company’s transparency in terms of cost is not exactly great. If you want to know more about its services and fees, you have to download apps like the cost estimator and the Labcorp Patient App. It also offers diverse online educational content for patients and health providers alike.

Planning on getting sequenced to see if you are at risk of passing on a mutation to your future child? At Nebula Genomics, we offer Whole Genome Sequencing! This test decodes 100% of your DNA, enabling you to discover more about your ancestry, wellness, and health than any other DNA test! Click here to learn more!

Review of Integrated Genetics Science: Using the Mother’s DNA to Predict the Baby’s Health

Through DNA testing, genetic technicians can find out about an individual’s susceptibility to developing a particular disease. This is what Integrated Genetics uses as the basis of its tests.

The type of test you order determines the mode of sample collection. For tests like the Ashkenazi Jewish Panel, it collects saliva fluid samples using a standard collection kit. If it is one of the MaterniT tests, it uses blood sample for analysis.

The types of tests you can take depends on whether you’re pregnant or you’ve given birth. For example, a pregnant woman can take a noninvasive prenatal test (NIPT), screening, or diagnostic tests.

A NIPT is safe as it only requires a blood sample taken from the mother’s arm. It reveals the chances of a baby having a chromosomal abnormality but may need diagnostic testing to confirm a positive result.

Just like the name implies, screening tests estimate the chances of your baby having a disease. Diagnostic testing, on the other hand, is more accurate as it uses amniotic fluid from around the baby or a piece of tissue from the placenta as testing material. It is, however, a risk to the baby, so you should discuss it with your physician.

Blue poster with features of the screening test on the left, features of the diagnostic test on the right, and a small photo of a pensive woman holding a pencil against her lips on the center
Integrated Genetics type of prenatal tests

Other tests

Labcorp also tests for different chromosomal disorders that may affect your baby. There are several different types of chromosome disorders. The most common one is Down’s Syndrome, caused by the trisomy of the chromosome 21. This could affect the baby’s intellectual abilities and some other physical attributes.

Other less common but more severe are trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 disorders.

Other tests may help you to understand why a pregnancy loss occurred and your potential risk in future pregnancies.

Couples can also test themselves to discover their risk of passing on a particular mutation to their child. This helps for better planning and preparation for the future.

Integrated Genetics Review

How to take an Integrated Genetics Test

Integrated Genetics tests must be ordered and supervised by a medical professional.

Each test page contains an option to download general and test-specific brochures.

Screenshot of a dropdown Providers menu on Integrated Genetics featuring four columns, Products and Services, Testing Type, Resources, and Provider Help, and their subcategories

Patients can also learn more about each test in the “Patients” section. It also includes a collection of education videos on topics such as prenatal screening, carrier screening, prenatal diagnosis, genetic counseling, and hereditary cancer

Screenshot of a dropdown Patients menu on Integrated Genetics featuring four columns, Tests, Reproductive Genetics Testing, Patient Resources, and Cost & Billing and their subcategories

Providers can access forms, ordering, and resources from the provider’s page. They can fill in personal information like your name, e-mail, phone number, and address. Then you can fill out the test or supplies you want and the quantity of each. You can then proceed to the payout and other formalities. 

The Integrated Genetics test menu provides a comprehensive list of specialty and general laboratory testing services.

Raw DNA Upload

Integrated Genetics does not offer the chance for raw DNA upload. Meanwhile, Nebula Genomics allows you to upload raw DNA data to get additional analysis. The best part: it is totally free.

Integrated Genetics Cost

Integrated Genetics does not reveal its prices as it requires you to be under the supervision of an approved physician or doctor.

Whether you are a patient, provider or partner, you can use the cost estimator to calculate the estimated budget for your chosen tests. Women’s Health accepts Medicare insurance payments, CIGNA, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana. In addition, it offers a wide array of payment programs to assist patients, such as the charity care and financial hardship programs.

Integrated Genetics Reports Review

While Integrated Genetics has a good reputation for its test reports, these are tailored to medical professionals and written in jargon. The reports usually have the patient’s details on top and the doctor’s name. The table that follows shows whether the woman or baby is positive for the syndrome.

For example, the MaterniT Genome test screens for common trisomies (such as 21, 18, and 13) and the sex of the baby. It also analyzes every chromosome to provide information about clinically relevant microdeletions and gains or losses of chromosome material across the genome. Display tables show each mutation tested for and the result. Positive results are displayed in bold, colored letters. 

Screenshot of a MaterniT Genome lab report from Integrated Genetics with details on the top and a table featuring all tests taken and their results
Sample of Integrated Genetics lab report

Integrated Genetics provides genetic counselors who can advise patients on their results. However, this is only recommended after you have spoken to your physician. If your doctor approves it, you can request a meeting with one of the genetic counselors.

These meetings, consisting of a video call, are called the “Telegenetic Counseling Program To You.” You can do this through the online scheduling program. If you’re a registered member, you should be able to access this easily. If you’re a new member, you need to fill in your details.

Review of Integrated Genetics Privacy

The Privacy Statement and Terms of Use notice of Labcorp can be found at the bottom of the website, along with the Notice of Nondiscrimination and Combatting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement.

The website is covered by HIPAA, and it also conforms to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Labcorp states that it does not store any data that you do not submit on the website.

Labcorp does share some information with some service providers like IBM, Eloqua, and SalesForce.com. However, these services only mail you what you requested. It also advises against giving your login details on the website to another person as there’s no way it can protect you against threats.

Integrated Genetics in the News

Integrated Genetics Lab Services is conducting COVID-19 Testing in Spain utilizing Fluidigm Biomark HD Platform. Kurix Health and Project Screen also offer special testing meeting requirements for departing and arriving in the UK.

In August 2021, Labcorp, a leader in women’s health, increased its reach in this sector by acquiring Ovia Health, a femtech digital platform used by millions of women seeking information on planning, pregnancy, and parenting.

Nebula Genomics

At Nebula Genomics, we offer a 30X Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) kit. This is 1000 times more information than most other DNA-interpretation sites.

Unlike Integrated Genetics, you can easily find the price of our tests and order them as at-home products on our website. Our Whole Genome Sequencing data is of proven quality and can be used by physicians and genetic counselors.

If you are interested in genetic screening for your baby, you may be interested in your own genetic analysis as well. Our tests give you access to our genome exploration tools, deep ancestry reporting with full Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing. You also get access to the Nebula Research Library – a regularly updated reporting blog that updates with the latest news in the field. 

We also offer DNA upload data analysis. You can upload your 23andMe and AncestryDNA files to get additional analysis for free.

Integrated Genetics vs. Nebula Genomics

Integrated GeneticsNebula Genomics
ReportingPre- and post-pregnancy genetic testsGenetic predispositions from Whole genome sequencing at 30x coverage
Ancestry reportingNoDeep ancestry reporting with full Y chromosome and mtDNA sequencing
Focus on privacyYesYes (learn more)
Data upload optionsNoYes
Tools to explore dataNoYes
CostUse the cost calculator on the website$0, $99, $299

You may also be interested in these other articles for taking a DNA test while pregnant and at-home paternity testing with HomeDNA.

If you want to focus on your maternal and/or paternal lineages, you can look at YFull or YSeq, services that analyze mtDNA or the Y chromosome to determine specific lineage haplotypes. Full Genomes also offers Y chromosome sequencing and analysis.

Plus, check out the blog to learn more about the importance of sequencing Y-DNA and mtDNA.

Other DNA testing companies that do carrier screenings for diseases that may be passed down to children include:

  • CircleDNA (health and wellness tests)
  • Genome Medical (virtual consultations nationwide)
  • Invitae (diagnostics, proactive health, and reproductive health)
  • Helix DNA (DNA test plus additional cost for the apps)
  • Myriad (diagnostics, reproductive tests, and precision medicine tests)
  • Natera (circulating DNA for hereditary cancer and other diagnoses)
  • Picture Genetics (at-home testing performed in a diagnostic lab)
  • Sema4 (oncology, women’s health, carrier screening, and hereditary cancer)
  • tellmegen (whole genome sequencing)
  • Veritas Genetics (diagnostic test, 30x whole genome sequencing plus advanced diagnostics)
  • Xcode Life (fitness and health report)

Did you like our Integrated Genetics 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.

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