The 3X4 Genetics Test + Blueprint Report is a targeted genotyping panel designed to translate common inherited genetic variation into biological pathway-level information relevant to nutrition, metabolism, hormone balance, tissue health, cardiovascular physiology, exercise response, and other modifiable health domains. Rather than interpreting each variant in isolation, the 3X4 Blueprint groups multiple variants that contribute to the same biological pathway and assigns an overall impact level to that pathway. (3X4 Genetics n.d.-a)
The 3X4 Blueprint format presents 36 pathways across six categories. At the individual-variant level, the report displays the gene, tested variant, and genotype result. At the pathway level, it uses a graded color system to prioritize areas of higher or lower genetic impact. Individual gene results are color-coded by modeled impact. Genes that 3X4 identifies as particularly significant may be marked with a star, genes interpreted as protective may be marked with a shield, and genes associated with slow response in the Training Response pathway may be marked with a chevron. (3X4 Genetics n.d.-b)
Nutrigenetics examines how inherited genetic variation may contribute to differences in responses to nutrients, dietary patterns, and other environmental exposures. Evidence supports some gene-diet associations, but effect sizes, reproducibility, and the clinical usefulness of genotype-guided recommendations vary across variants, traits, and populations. (Ordovas 2018)(Guasch-Ferré 2018)
Quick Facts
- Laboratory: Testing is performed through 3X4 Genetics' Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified U.S. laboratory network (3X4 Genetics n.d.-b)
- Specimen: Buccal epithelial cells
- Collection method: Cheek swab; current practitioner instructions describe swabbing the inside of each cheek for approximately 60 seconds. (3X4 Genetics n.d.-b)
- Technology: Targeted single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)/genotype analysis using the Thermo Fisher Scientific Axiom genotyping platform (3X4 Genetics n.d.-c)
- Markers: More than 157 genetic markers in the current Fullscript listing
- 3X4 Blueprint structure: 36 pathways across six categories in the 3X4 Blueprint report format
- Turnaround time: Approximately 28 days after the laboratory receives the specimen through the current Fullscript workflow
- Availability: Available through Fullscript
