What Does 3X4 Genetics Test For? A Complete Guide for Health Practitioners

Genetic testing is becoming an increasingly important tool for health practitioners, providing valuable insights into a client’s unique health needs. 3X4 Genetics specializes in offering genetic insights that can help improve client care by focusing on things like metabolic pathways and general health recommendations. In this article, we’ll break down what 3X4 Genetics tests for to help you determine if their services fit into your practice and how they can support your clients’ health goals.

How 3X4 Genetics Works

3X4 Genetics uses a cheek swab collection method for DNA testing, which is a non-invasive and simple way to gather a sample. This method is convenient for both practitioners and clients, eliminating the need for blood draws or other more invasive procedures.

After the sample is collected, it is sent to the lab for analysis. The processing and report delivery typically takes 3-4 weeks.

Practitioners can order tests for their clients through a dedicated portal, providing an organized way to manage orders and access reports. Clients also have the option to order directly from 3X4 Genetics, offering flexibility depending on the needs of the practice.

What Does 3X4 Genetics Test For?

3X4 Genetics analyzes approximately 150 genes to provide insights into 36 biological pathways, grouped into key categories that impact overall health and wellness. These pathways offer a broad view of genetic influences on cellular function, systemic health, cardiovascular health, energy, activity, and nutrient metabolism. Here’s a closer look at what’s included:

Cellular

• Inflammation: Insights into genetic factors affecting the body’s inflammatory responses.
• Methylation: Understanding how genes influence methylation processes, which play a role in DNA repair and gene expression.
• Oxidative Stress: Genetic markers that indicate how the body manages oxidative damage.
• Detoxification: Information on the efficiency of natural detox processes.

Systemic

• Collagen & Joints: Genetic factors affecting joint health and collagen synthesis.
• Glucose & Insulin: Insights into blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity.
• Memory & Brain Health: Factors influencing cognitive health and brain function.
• Bone Health: Genetic predispositions related to bone density and strength.
• Hormone Balance: Markers linked to hormonal regulation.
• Mood & Behavior: Genetic influences on emotional health and behavior.
• Histamine Overload: Indicators of how the body processes histamine.

Cardiovascular

• Blood Pressure: Genetic factors impacting blood pressure regulation.
• Vascular Health: Insights into genetic influences on vascular integrity and function.
• Cholesterol: Markers related to cholesterol metabolism.
• Blood Clotting: Genetic tendencies affecting clotting processes.

Energy

• Pro-Inflammatory Fat: Factors influencing fat storage and inflammation.
• Adipogenesis: Genetic tendencies for fat cell development.
• Exercise Response: How the body responds to physical activity.
• Weight Gain & Resistance: Markers linked to weight management.
• Energy Expenditure: Insights into calorie-burning efficiency.
• Appetite/Satiety/Intake: Genetic influences on hunger and fullness.

Activity

• Injury: Markers indicating susceptibility to physical injuries.
• Endurance: Genetic factors that affect stamina.
• Recovery: Insights into recovery speed after physical exertion.
• Power: Genes influencing physical strength and explosive movements.
• Training Response: Genetic factors affecting adaptation to exercise.

Nutrient

• Vitamin B12, Folate, and Choline: Insights into genetic needs for these nutrients.
• Salt: Genetic markers related to sodium sensitivity.
• Vitamin D: Genetic influences on vitamin D metabolism.
• Fatty Acids: Markers affecting fat metabolism.
• Caffeine: How the body processes caffeine.
• Vitamin C: Genetic predispositions related to vitamin C utilization.
• Gluten: Insights into genetic tolerance for gluten.
• Iron Overload: Genetic factors influencing iron metabolism.

Benefits and Limitations of 3X4 Genetics for Practitioners

3X4 Genetics includes features intended to support health practitioners. Their reports present genetic data in a straightforward format, which can help practitioners share insights with clients. The practitioner platform allows for ordering tests and managing clients, along with offering educational materials to assist in understanding the reports and applying them in practice.

However, there are notable limitations to consider. One of the biggest drawbacks is the lack of true personalization. The insights provided are based on general recommendations rather than an individual’s unique genetic profile, making them far less precise.

Unlike more advanced platforms, 3X4 Genetics does not utilize polygenic risk scores (PRS) to assess genetic risk based on multiple variants. Their reports are also static, meaning they do not update as new research emerges or as a client’s health data changes, further limiting their long-term value.

The platform itself analyzes only a relatively small number of genetic variants, which significantly restricts the depth of insights practitioners can provide. Additionally, 3X4 Genetics does not integrate genetic results with other health data, such as lab tests or lifestyle factors, making it difficult to get a complete picture of a client’s health.

The scope of the reports is also much narrower compared to other options on the market, as they lack add-ons like carrier status and pharmacogenomics, which are essential for many practitioners.

Another major limitation is accessibility. The service is only available to practitioners in the United States, making it inaccessible to those in other regions. For practitioners seeking a truly comprehensive, data-driven, and personalized approach to genetic health, 3X4 Genetics falls short in several key areas.

Alternatives to 3×4 Genetics

If you’re looking for a more flexible and personalized approach to genetic testing, SelfDecode is worth considering. Unlike 3X4 Genetics, SelfDecode provides over 1250 health reports, covering a much wider range of topics to help meet the unique needs of each client. The reports are dynamic, meaning they’re updated as new data or research becomes available, offering more value over time.

SelfDecode also gives practitioners the option to add reports for specific needs, like carrier status or pharmacogenomics, making it easier to tailor the experience to individual clients. Plus, it’s available worldwide, so you’re not limited by location when offering genetic insights to your clients.

SelfDecode generates truly personalized health insights using advanced polygenic risk scores (PRS) and integrates genetic data with lab results and lifestyle factors for a more comprehensive approach. This significantly reduces the number of hours practitioners need to spend analyzing data and creating health plans, making it easier to provide high-quality, individualized recommendations to clients.

For practitioners who want more customization, a broader range of reports, and ongoing updates, SelfDecode offers a strong alternative to 3X4 Genetics.

Conclusion

Genetic testing has become a valuable tool for health practitioners aiming to offer personalized care. While 3X4 Genetics provides reports and resources tailored to practitioners, its focus on general recommendations and limited accessibility may not meet every practice’s needs.

Considering alternatives like SelfDecode can help practitioners access more comprehensive, dynamic insights and customizable options for their clients. By evaluating what each provider offers, including features, tested areas, and accessibility, practitioners can choose the solution that aligns best with their goals and the needs of their clients.

For the most up-to-date information on 3×4 Genetics, including features, pricing, and availability, visit their official website.