In 2019, Fulgent Genetics revolutionized the way we approach genetic testing with the debut of its Picture Genetics service. This innovative platform is a game-changer, offering individuals a seamless and affordable gateway to cutting-edge genetic analysis right from their homes. What sets Picture Genetics apart is not just the convenience it offers but also its commitment to ensuring users get a comprehensive understanding of their genetic health.
The service doesn’t stop at providing you with test results; it takes a step further by involving independent doctors and offering genetic counseling. This means that anyone using Picture Genetics isn’t left deciphering complex information on their own. Instead, they’re given thorough guidance and support to understand what their genetics might mean for their future health and that of their family.
Brandon Perthuis, the Chief Commercial Officer at Fulgent Genetics, sheds light on how vital this tool can be in empowering individuals. By utilizing Picture Genetics, people can gain insights into potential health risks inherited through genes. This knowledge isn’t just power—it’s a roadmap that allows folks to make informed decisions about their health management going forward.
The beauty of Picture Genetics lies in its simplicity combined with effectiveness. It brings clinical-grade testing into your living room without sacrificing quality or accuracy. The process is straightforward yet comprehensive, ensuring that users are well-informed and supported every step of the way towards making proactive choices about their health destiny.
Explaining the Company’s Origin and Growth
In the wake of its inception in 2019, Picture Genetics, a subsidiary of Fulgent Genetics (FLGT), set out to revolutionize the way we approach genetic testing. With nearly ten years under its belt through its parent company, Picture Genetics had already recognized the crucial role such tests play in guiding health management and assisting with family planning decisions. However, they noted a significant gap between high-quality genetic tests that often involved bureaucratic insurance processes and doctor’s appointments, and those readily available for home use which might not meet the mark in terms of quality.
Determined to bridge this gap, Picture Genetics introduced an innovative solution: offering clinically validated genetic analyses directly to people’s homes. This groundbreaking approach not only brought convenience but also ensured support from medical professionals without stepping outside one’s comfort zone. It was a game-changer—suddenly, accessing top-tier genetic testing didn’t mean jumping through hoops anymore.
Moreover, recognizing the urgent need amidst global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Picture Genetics swiftly expanded its array of offerings. By 2020, it added fast and reliable COVID-19 testing options into their lineup. This move underscored their commitment to making advanced medical tests more accessible while contributing positively towards combating public health emergencies.
Through these initiatives, Picture Genetics stands at the forefront of transforming how we access and utilize genetic testing—making it more straightforward and less encumbered by traditional healthcare barriers.
What makes Picture tests unique compared to other testing services?
Our approach to genetic testing is distinct and focused, steering clear of areas like ancestry and personality traits derived from DNA. We believe that the real value lies in actionable insights related to health and wellness. This conviction is supported by our use of cutting-edge technology and a team of seasoned genetic scientists within our clinically accredited lab. Rest assured, when you choose us, your results are not only reliable but also backed by solid science.
Moreover, we understand the importance of professional guidance in interpreting these results. That’s why every test comes with clinical support, involving medical professionals who provide valuable follow-up without mandating direct interaction unless desired by you. This ensures a seamless experience where the complexities are handled by experts.
Diving deeper into our methodological excellence, we employ what’s known as next-generation sequencing for DNA tests—a technique considered the apex in genetic analysis. In contrast to many at-home kits that opt for genotyping, our method offers a more comprehensive look at your genetics. This thoroughness underpins our commitment to delivering insights that matter most for your health and well-being.
What kinds of genetic testing can you do at home?
Our genetic screening services cater to individuals and families aiming to gain insights into their health and potential genetic predispositions. Among our offerings:
– Picture Parenting: This test is designed for expectant mothers or couples thinking about having a baby. It’s essentially a carrier screening that identifies if parents have any genetic mutations which, while not affecting them, could impact their child.
– Picture Newborn: Targets over 200 rare yet severe conditions that infants might be born with. Early detection of these conditions is crucial for managing the child’s health and improving their life quality.
– Picture Wellness: This service is tailored for adults looking to understand their risk of developing certain types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases over time.
Additionally, we’ve teamed up with the Parkinson’s Foundation to introduce Picture PD Aware, a novel test evaluating the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
By offering these tests, we aim to empower individuals with knowledge about their health and potential risks, enabling proactive decisions towards maintaining wellness across different stages of life.
What insights do your tests offer and how might they transform lifestyles?
The essence of our approach is to provide medically relevant information that can significantly influence health-related decisions. For instance, by opting for a Picture Wellness examination, individuals gain insights into their genetic predispositions. This knowledge empowers them to work alongside their medical teams to devise strategies aimed at reducing potential health risks.
Particularly noteworthy is our test designed for newborns, which holds the promise of markedly improving a child’s life prospects through early detection and intervention in certain conditions. Similarly, our Picture Parenting assessment offers invaluable support to prospective parents by supplying crucial data during the pivotal stages of family planning.
Ultimately, our goal transcends merely altering lifestyles; it revolves around equipping people with the necessary tools and understanding to make informed choices concerning their well-being and future.
Can the average person easily grasp the outcome and reports of your product?
Our team, which includes genetic counselors, content experts, and graphic designers, has put in a great deal of effort to ensure that our reports are not only comprehensible but also packed with valuable insights for the general public. That’s the core mission of Picture: to demystify complex information for everyday understanding.
What stands out about receiving your test results from Picture is the assurance that you’re never on your own when it comes to figuring out what those results mean. With every test taken, we offer a session with a trained genetic counselor who will guide you through your results in a way that relates directly to your personal circumstances. This approach ensures you get the most out of your experience with us, making sure every piece of information is clear and actionable.
What new trends and technologies are currently interesting?
The growing trend of accessing medical services and high-quality diagnostics online is genuinely thrilling. It’s clear that individuals are keen on playing a more proactive role in managing their health and wellness. Tools like Picture are being developed to support this shift towards active health management. While the surge in online medical services was significantly propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s worth noting that the movement had already begun prior to the crisis. The hope remains that this momentum will not only persist but also expand moving forward.
