TL;DR: Genetic reports are moving to a risk-based format that replaces terms like “wild type” and “mutant” with clearer, clinically relevant risk levels (elevated, partially elevated, normal). The new format highlights key elements like SNP, gene, variant, and associated risk to improve interpretation.
What Changed?
In keeping with current laboratory reporting guidance, genetic reports now will no longer include descriptors such as “wild type” or “mutant” symbols (e.g. --, ++). Instead, results are now presented using a risk-based reporting format informed by peer-reviewed scientific and clinical literature. This updated format is designed to improve clarity and clinical utility.
An example of this format is illustrated below:
- Risk Level is a visual representation of risk associated with the genotype result, where red indicates an Elevated risk genotype, and yellow indicates a Partially Elevated risk genotype.
- SNP ID identifies a defined location in the DNA where genetic variation can occur between individuals.
- Variant indicates the genetic change being evaluated at that location. For example, “C>T” means that this test determines whether the nucleotide at that position is cytosine (C) or thymine (T).
- Gene Name refers to the gene impacted by or associated with that SNP ID.
- Risk Association describes how genetic variation at that location may impact some biochemical pathway, physiological process, and/or health state.
- Your Genotype refers to the specific nucleotide combination identified to be carried by the patient being tested.
- Your Risk indicates whether the patient’s genotype is associated with an elevated, partially elevated, or normal risk for the defined Risk Association. The level of risk will vary based on the findings from respective scientific studies.
- Non-risk Genotype refers to the nucleotide combination associated with normal risk.
Why were these changes made?
These changes were made to align genetic reporting with current laboratory standards and improve clinical interpretability. Replacing legacy terminology such as “wild type” and “mutant” with risk-based categories provides a clearer, more meaningful view of how each genotype may relate to health outcomes.
Do I need to take any action?
No action is required on your part. The updated report format will be automatically applied to all new Genetic test reports.
To see an example of this change, check out the Cardio Genetics Sample Report.
If you have any questions regarding this change, please feel free to contact us at support@vibrant-wellness.com