*I’m helping Nebula Genomic celebrate National DNA Day on April 25th and received a free Nebula Genomics Deep Test Kit for review purposes,. I also received a lifetime membership to Plus Nebula Explore™ Membership. I am an affiliate with the company, so should you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Everything expressed here is 100% my opinion based on my personal experience thus far.  #sponsored #DNADay

Have you ever received an email that threw you for a loop? Out of the blue one day, I received an email with the subject line “my dad.” Her first sentence read,

“This is probably going to be a really weird message for you. Before I get into it all, I just want to tell you that I am not trying to stir anything up, or disrupt anything. I don’t want anything from anyone, I just felt compelled to write.“

She went on to say that she believed her father was my half-brother. That was a shock! My parents had been married for over 60 years when my father passed. But as she went on to explain about her father, it was clear that he was born before my parents even met, right around the time that my father went off to war in Europe.

As we exchanged emails back and forth, all the logistics seemed to lean towards the possibility that she was right. She said it was never a secret in her family who her Dad’s father was. However, if my family knew, it was never shared. I don’t think my father would have kept it a secret. He was a “the more family, the better” kind of guy. When she sent photos, it was very clear that he was a relative! BUT, he looked more like my cousin’s family than mine. His younger photos looked so much like my cousin C that they could have been twins. I shared them with my cousin, S and she wondered the same thing – whether he was really a part of their family, rather than mine. 

Out of respect for my mother (in case she didn’t know) and my newfound possible niece, I didn’t go forward with asking for any DNA tests. But now my mother and older brother have passed, so I’d really like to know. I’m quite sure we’re related, but I’m leaning toward him being a cousin, not a brother. I guess we’ll see! I’m open either way.

That’s the curiosity factor that caused me to accept the offer to review the Nebula Genomics Deep Test Kit, but I also have a rare disease and would like to know more about that and where it came from.

Who is Nebula Genomics?

Nebula Genomics is a personal genomics company that provides access to affordable Whole Genome Sequencing (via their DNA testing kits) and has developed technology to protect genomic data privacy.

Their goal is to create large genomic datasets and enable their users to share their genomic data securely, in order to advance the study of human genetics (if they choose; it’s not required). Nebula Genomics was co-founded by Harvard University professor and genomics pioneer Dr. George Church.

Nebula Genomics decodes 100% of your data, so you have access to both your ancestry and health traits. Other companies, like Ancestry and 23andMe, just decode 0.02%.

 

Why would you want to test your DNA using Nebula Genomics kits?

Having your DNA tested allows you to: 

• Learn about your ancestry and find new relatives
• Decode ALL your genes and find new genetic mutations
• Determine appropriate diet and supplementation
• Find the right exercise plan to lose weight (wooo hoooo!)
• Learn about the genetics of your mind, behavior and personality
• Learn about your oral microbiome
• Use your genetic information to extend your life
• Learn how genomic research applies to your test results
• Bring your data to your physician or genetic counselor for a clinical interpretation
• Not worry about your data being sold 

Nebula Genomics has developed cryptographic technology that allows you to stay in complete control of your genomic data and decide who you wish to share it with. You can choose to use your data to help with their database… or not, unlike other DNA testing companies, which have been known to sell their data. 

 

The Basic Steps

• Step 1: Order a test kit. 
• Step 2: Collect the DNA sample.
• Step 3: Fill in the information.
• Step 4: The laboratory isolates and analyzes your sample.
• Step 5: You’ll get your results.

Ordering Your Kit

When you order your kit, there are 3 options: two Nebula genomic 100% DNA decoding options and a basic Standard DNA testing option. Each kit requires the purchase of a lifetime membership. Why? Because new scientific studies that advance the understanding of testing happen on a regular basis. You can also “get unlimited access to [their] genome exploration tools that will empower you to study your genetic blueprints at your own pace.” I am using the Deep Kit.

 

What happens once you purchase?

Once you purchase, the kit will be sent to you within 5-7 days, depending upon your postal delivery service. 

 

What’s in the kit?

 

How to use the kit

The first thing you’ll need to do once you receive the kit is to register it on the website using the code you will find on the box. This is pretty standard procedure with at-home testing kits. It helps with privacy if the company is using a third party to run the test.

When you ship it back, you’ll be able to see where your specimens are in the process. They also have some health and wellness surveys you can fill out that will help to get a better look at your overall picture.

If you are in the United States, you will be provided a prepaid shipping label, so you won’t need to pay for shipping. If you are outside the United States, you will need to pay for shipping yourself. 

Everything comes in a small blue box and includes detailed instructions. They reiterate that you’ll need to register your kit. Be sure to read all the steps before collecting your sample because there are some important instructions. In particular, you’re not to eat, drink or smoke for 30 minutes before taking your sample. Don’t brush your teeth in that time period either.

 

How to collect your DNA sample

Rather than a spit test, you’ll be using the inside of your cheeks to collect the sample with swabs. When you’re ready to get started, open the swab packet and then open the collection tube and place it on a flat surface.

Using a rotating motion, rub one of the swabs all over the inside of your cheek for about 60 seconds.

Put the swap tip down into the collection tube and rapidly move it up and down in the fluid about 30 times. 

Put the specimens in the bag and secure them.

Place the specimen bag into the provided mailer envelope and secure the seal.

Drop it off at the nearest USPS office, and it will be on its way back to Nebula Genomics. (I wouldn’t trust putting it in your mailbox to be picked up by your carrier.)

 

How long does it take to get results?

I was surprised to learn that it will take 12-14 weeks to receive your results, but that makes sense given the deep dive into your DNA.

While you’re waiting for your results, you can take one or more of 12 surveys on their site.

 

 

So check back with me in about 3 ½ months, and I’ll have a more concrete answer about my new-found relative! I’m so curious! If you want to learn more about getting tested for yourself, head over to the Nebula Genomics Website!

 

Have you had your DNA tested? Were you surprised at any of your results? I’d love to know!

 

And don’t forget to celebrate National DNA Day on April 25th! #NebulaDNADay Right now, you can get 70% off any Nebula Genomics Test Kit NO CODE NEEDED through 04/27