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How At-Home Genetic Testing Works with jscreen

The at-home genetic tests are simple, accessible, and empowering. Here's what to expect from start to finish.
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Genetic Testing TimelineWhat's IncludedCostsBilling, Insurance and PaymentUnderstand Your Genetic Test ResultsWhy Choose jscreen for Genetic ScreeningThe Power of Genetic CounselingData Security and HIPAA-ComplianceChoose the Right At-Home Genetic Test for Your Needs

Genetic Testing Timeline: What to Expect from Your Screening Kit

Follow these simple steps from the moment you order to when you receive your results:
1

Select your at-home test kit

Choose the test that’s right for you. Select Reproductive Carrier Screening or Hereditary Cancer Testing. Get started with a one-time $49 upfront fee ($69 for both tests).

2

Insurance estimate & family history questionnaire

If you choose to use insurance, you'll receive a personalized cost estimate from our lab partner. If genetic testing is not covered by your insurance plan, you can choose our self-pay option for $249 + the $49 upfront fee.

If you purchase a hereditary cancer testing kit, you’ll also complete a brief family history questionnaire.
3

Receive your at-home genetic testing kit

After you complete the registration form(s), our clinical team will review them and a physician will place the order for your test. This onboarding process takes a little over a week.

Your kit arrives within 3 business days of completing the onboarding process. It includes everything you need to provide a saliva sample at home—simple, private, and convenient.
4

Collect and mail your saliva kit

Remember: don't eat, drink, or use gum/tobacco for 30 minutes before collecting your sample. Return your kit in the prepaid envelope. Shipping is included.
5

Secure results delivery & certified genetic counseling

Receive your results within 3 weeks of your sample arriving at the lab. You can choose to have a complimentary virtual counseling session with a certified genetic counselor to understand what your results mean and discuss next steps.

What’s Included In Your At-Home Genetic Test?

Every test includes everything you need for a complete, professional, and convenient genetic screening experience:

Features of Our Carrier & Hereditary Cancer Testing Kits

Total genes screened
Reproductive carrier risk genes
Hereditary cancer risk genes
Genetic counseling support
Free express return shipping
Results turnaround time
Ready to start your screening?

Reproductive Carrier Screening

Total genes screened
260+ conditions
Reproductive carrier risk genes
Hereditary cancer risk genes
Genetic counseling support
Free express return shipping
Results turnaround time
2-3 weeks
Ready to start your screening?
Order now

Hereditary Cancer Testing

Total genes screened
60+ genes
Reproductive carrier risk genes
Hereditary cancer risk genes
Genetic counseling support
Free express return shipping
Results turnaround time
2-3 weeks
Ready to start your screening?
Order now

Included With All Tests

Physician review and test ordering
At-home sample collection kit
DNA analysis in a CLIA-certified laboratory
Optional genetic counseling

Genetic Testing Costs and Insurance Coverage

We believe cost should never be a barrier to genetic testing. Here's what you need to know about pricing and insurance:

How Much Does An At-Home Genetic Test Cost?

1
First, Get Started for Just $49
jscreen program fee
$10
Physician ordering fee
$39
Total due today
$49
This covers jscreen’s program fee, which includes access to our genetic counselors and care navigators throughout the testing process, and physician review and test ordering. No waiting rooms, no blood tests, no needles.
2
Then, Choose Your Payment Option for Lab Testing Costs:

Use Insurance Coverage

Most commercial insurance plans cover genetic testing for carrier screening and hereditary cancer testing. You'll receive a personalized cost estimate from our lab partner. Your final cost depends on your family history, specific insurance plan, deductible, and copay. Talk to your care navigator if you need financial assistance.

Self-Pay Option

jscreen offers genetic testing kits for a $249 flat fee (+ the $49 upfront fee, for a total of $298) if you choose not to use insurance or your insurance doesn't cover testing. You also have the option to switch from insurance coverage to self-pay once you receive your personalized estimate.
Did You Know?

A Note About Insurance Coverage

Most commercial insurance plans cover carrier testing for individuals and couples planning to start or expand their family. Both carrier testing and hereditary cancer testing are often covered for individuals with Ashkenazi Jewish descent. Your final cost depends on your family history and specific insurance plan. Our care navigators are here to help you work through the process and connect you with our financial assistance programs when needed.

Billing, Insurance, and Payment Support

Navigating health insurance can be complex. Our team is here to help. Contact us anytime to discuss billing questions or request financial assistance. Our mission is to ensure cost is never a barrier to genetic testing.

Understand Your Genetic Test Results

Once your results are ready, you'll receive them in an easy-to-understand report. Your results will fall into one of these categories:

Negative Result

What This Means:
No mutations were identified in the genes tested. For carrier testing, this significantly reduces the chance of passing on the genetic conditions screened for. For hereditary cancer testing, this significantly lowers your risk of developing cancer associated with the specific genes tested.
Next steps:
If you had carrier testing, your reproductive partner should also consider testing for the most comprehensive assessment. A genetic counselor can walk you through what your result means for family planning or ongoing health decisions.

Variant of Unknown Significance (VUS) - Hereditary Cancer Testing

What This Means:
A change was found in a gene, but there isn't yet enough scientific evidence to know whether it affects health or is simply a harmless variation. A VUS is not treated as a positive result, and on its own, it shouldn't change your medical care. As genetic research advances, many VUS results are eventually reclassified (most often as benign). It is very common to find variants of unknown significance.
Next steps:
Talk with a genetic counselor about your specific finding and what (if anything) it means for you and your family. Because classifications can change over time, reach out to your genetic counselor periodically to check whether any new information has emerged about your variant.

Positive Carrier Result

What This Means:
You carry a mutation in one or more of the genes tested. Being a carrier typically doesn't affect your own health. However, if your reproductive partner is also a carrier of a mutation in the same gene, there is a chance of having a child with the condition. For X-linked conditions, a carrier parent may pass the condition to their children regardless of whether their partner is also a carrier.
Next steps:
Schedule a session with a genetic counselor to talk through what your result means and what options are available. If you have a partner, testing them is an important next step. There are many paths to planning a family, and a counselor can help you understand them all.

Positive Cancer Result

What This Means:
A mutation was identified in a gene associated with hereditary cancer. This means your risk of developing certain cancers may be higher than the general population. However, a positive result doesn't mean you will certainly develop cancer. There are effective steps you can take to lower your risk, detect cancer early, and guide more effective treatment.
Next steps:

Meet with a genetic counselor and your healthcare provider to review your result and build a personalized plan. This may include enhanced screening, preventive options, and discussions about testing for close relatives who may share the same risk. Read more about understanding your carrier status here.

Why Choose jscreen for Genetic Screening?

Features

Convenient at-home test, no waiting rooms or lab visit needed
Affordable. Most patients who use insurance owe nothing further after the $49 upfront fee. Talk to us if you need financial assistance
Get clinical-grade results in just a few weeks
Certified genetic counselor reviewed results with next steps tailored to you

Benefits

Feel empowered to make family planning decisions

Learn how carrier screening before pregnancy provides more reproductive options and peace of mind

No-cost, optional genetic counseling session to answer questions and provide guidance for potential next steps
Make more informed choices about your future health, including screenings and preventive measures

Read a personal story about the power of early awareness here

The Power of Genetic Counseling

Your test comes with complimentary access to certified genetic counselors who are ready to support you before, during, and after your testing journey. Genetic counseling is not mandatory, but is available for additional support.

Your certified genetic counselor will:

Help you understand your test results and implications

Explain how genetic conditions run in families and your specific risks

Explore family planning options and help you make informed decisions

Provide culturally sensitive support that respects your religious and personal beliefs

Data Security and HIPAA-Compliant Privacy

We take the privacy and security of your genetic information seriously. Here's how we protect you:

HIPAA Compliant

We follow federal and state privacy laws, including HIPAA regulations.

Secure Portal

We provide you access to your results through an encrypted, secure portal.

We Never Sell Your Data

Your genetic information is yours alone. We never sell, trade, or share your data without your consent.

Choose the Right At-Home Genetic Test for Your Needs

Ready to Get Screened?

Start with a reproductive carrier screening kit. Our at-home test covers 260+ genetic conditions. Certified genetic counselors are available to answer questions and review your results with you.

Questions About Genetic Cancer Risk?

This hereditary cancer kit tests for mutations in the BRCA genes and 60+ other genes linked to increased hereditary cancer risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does genetic testing work at jscreen?‍

After you complete your order, we’ll mail you an at-home saliva kit to collect your sample. You’ll receive it within 7-10 days of placing your order; then, mail your sample back to the lab for analysis. Once your results are ready, you'll receive a clinical summary report, plus the option to schedule a complimentary consultation with a board-certified genetic counselor to walk through your results.

How long does it take to get genetic test results?

You can expect your results within 3-4 weeks from the time your sample arrives at the lab. This timeline applies whether you're doing the reproductive carrier screen, the hereditary cancer test, or both tests.

How can I view my results once the lab has processed my test?‍

Once the lab has finished processing your sample, you can log in and view your results through a secure online portal. We also offer a complimentary genetic counseling session with a board-certified genetic counselor, so you can review your results together and understand what they mean for you.

What's included in the at-home test kit?

The test kit contains a saliva collection kit and instructions on how to provide your saliva sample. You complete the test at home at your convenience, then mail the test kit to the lab. We provide a pre-paid return shipping label and envelope for you to mail the sample back to us using USPS, Fedex, or UPS.

Is genetic counseling included with my test?

Yes. You'll receive a clinical summary report that’s been reviewed by a board-certified genetic counselor, and you're offered a no-cost counseling session once you receive your results, so you can ask questions and get guidance on next steps.

How does jscreen ensure that my information is kept private?

The privacy of your health information is very important to us. jscreen follows federal and state privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and regulations (HIPAA), to protect your personal health information. The entities that will have access to your medical and genetic information include: jscreen program staff and representatives, the independent testing laboratory, the ordering healthcare provider (DNAvisit or other designated provider), your reproductive partner (if applicable, and when you provide specific consent), your insurance company and any other third-party payors, if applicable, and any other people or parties to which you consent to providing your information. You will have access to your results through a secure portal once your testing is complete.

Still Have Questions?

We’d love to hear from you! Check our FAQ page, or contact us.