Your questions, answered.

• What is your privacy policy and do you sell my results?

  We’re on your side. StrateGene® is built for you. To summarize a lot of legal speak, our privacy policy states that we do not sell your data to 3rd parties and your data is de-identified and encrypted.

  Please see link to our full Privacy Policy here.

• What security measures do you have in place to protect my information?

  The StrateGene® platform has been built by professional firms who are experts in security. To further ensure your data is secure, a professional security assessment was performed along with penetration testing. Both have been performed on the StrateGene® application and hosting environment. Penetration testing is defined as ‘the practice of testing a computer system, network or web application to find security vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit.’

  StrateGene® is built on an enterprise platform that utilizes the following industry-standard security measures to protect your data: 

  • Data in Transit: SSL certificates ensure the data in transit is secure. Access to the StrateGene® Database is only available via the Secured StrateGene® application. All backend Application Programming Interfaces are HTTPS based, where the SSL certs encrypt the traffic between the web layer and app layer.
  • Data at Rest: The StrateGene® database itself is encrypted as well as any database snapshots. Data that is encrypted at rest includes the underlying storage for database instances, its automated backups, Read Replicas, and snapshots. After the data is encrypted, the StrateGene® application authenticates access and decryption of the data happens transparently.
  • Administrative Access: The StrateGene® application and supporting systems have users with Administrative Access. Access is granted on a need to know basis only.
  • Secure Database Access: Access to the StrateGene® database is enabled only for the application tier. The Database credentials are used only by the application layer.
  • Application Authentication and Authorization: The user management system is using an industry standard authentication and authorization system which utilizes generated access tokens – which are highly secure. These tokens also handle session expirations and session validations.
  • Application Access to Database: Each user is granted a unique identifier and unique application  Universally Unique Identifier (UUID), which is a Database generated hexadecimal string. Data access is determined by the user account connected to the UUID. All Database tables are logically partitioned by the UUIDs, which ensures users can access only the data that belongs to them. Account Usernames are not used as unique identifiers to access data.
  • User Raw Data and Report Security: When a user is created in the StrateGene® system, the application creates a private data storage corresponding to that user and protected by a unique  identifier. The private data storage is accessible only by the user.
  • Logging and Monitoring: There is extensive application logging inside the StrateGene® application code and each user operation is audited.
  • Third Party Access: The StrateGene® application allows for 3rd party access to specified data locations for the purpose of exchanging data using Application Programming Interfaces (API’s). The StrateGene® security system uses OAuth2 authentication in these instances. Specific security roles have been assigned to these third parties and the API’s are protected using these roles.
• What are the major differences between the old StrateGene® analysis report and the new StrateGene® analysis report?

  The new StrateGene® (test and report) contains updated pathways and explanations of results that are more in-depth and easier to understand. Below are similarities and differences between the previous version of the StrateGene® report and the newest version:

  Similarities:

  1. Pathway-based approach
  2. Includes Folate, Methionine, Transsulfuration, Biopterin, Histamine pathways
  3. Research-based genetic variants
  4. Compounds and lifestyle activities specified to support each gene
  5. Compounds and lifestyle activities that speed up or slow down each gene

  Major differences:

  1. Report data is based on Seeking Health’s custom built genetic test. No longer use 23andme or Ancestry raw data.
  2. Pathways are updated with the latest research, additional genes, additional variants and simplified terminology
  3. Folate and Methionine Pathways are combined into a new pathway named The Methylation Pathway. This is important as it demonstrates how these pathways work together.
  4. Biopterin pathway is expanded to include the formation and recycling of biopterin
  5. Dopamine, Norepinephrine and Epinephrine pathways are all greatly expanded and now exist as their own separate pathway versus being all in the Biopterin pathway
  6. Serotonin and Melatonin pathways are greatly expanded and now exist as their own separate pathway versus being all in the Biopterin pathway
  7. Information on what dirties specific pathways and genes
  8. Recommendations on how to support specific dirty genes using lifestyle, environment, food and supplements
  9. Using meters on pathways to denote if a gene is slower or faster instead of stating the presence of a variant with colors (red, yellow or green).
  10. Haplotypes – researched collections of SNPs, which when in combination with each other, contribute to a specific effect such as increased susceptibility to anxiety or increased susceptibility to histamine intolerance. For example, we have a 4 SNP COMT haplotype which is way more effective than reporting just single COMT SNPs.
  11. Raw data that you can browse or download on StrateGene.me
  12. Ability to share your report or raw data to your physician/loved ones within a secure platform
• Who is StrateGene® NOT for?

  StrateGene® respects the complexity of the human body. While this makes things more difficult initially, it is the right long term approach as oversimplification leads to bad health outcomes. It is not possible to recommend specific supplements or dosages based on genetic findings. Reports that are currently doing this are a disservice to you and are doing it because the market demands it. It’s the wrong thing to do.

  Here are examples of individuals who are not good candidates to use StrateGene®:

  • “I was really looking for how to best supplement my body given my genetic makeup.”
  • “I wish it would make suggestions for which specific supplement (brand, product name) to use and to avoid.”
  • “Clear concise nutritional advice, dosage, etc.”
  • “I’d love you to point out like if this is red it means this and you need to take these supplements to straighten it out. I really just need to know what supplements to take to feel better, especially if my clean diet on its own isn’t helping.”
• Who is StrateGene® ideal for?

  StrateGene® is perfect for individuals who are excited for a comprehensive holistic approach integrating genetics and epigenetics. They love to learn, think things through and progressively improve how they’re feeling.

  Examples of individuals who are excellent candidates to use StrateGene®:

  1. “I wanted to understand the picture of MY genetic disposition because of the myriad of health issues I have. I was tired of getting band aid fixes from doctors, and I want to always improve the position I’m in to advocate for and manage my health. I do that by being a continual student. StrateGene® takes an extremely complex subject and puts some direction and focus on it that’s PERSONAL to me. That’s huge.”
  2. “I am a problem solver. Other tools were not helpful in any way.”
  3. “Gain insight into inherited susceptibilities and discover where you need support.”
  4. “Make connections between your need for certain diet and lifestyle interventions along with supporting nutrients to feel well.”