Trust & Legal
Genetic testing can be powerful, personal and fascinating. It also has limits. This page explains what future ìmọ̀ testing may be able to tell you, what it cannot tell you and what to consider before deciding to test.
ìmọ̀'s genetic testing services are still being developed.
Laboratory partners, collection methods, analytical processes, reference datasets, prices, eligibility requirements and turnaround times may continue to change before testing becomes available.
When testing launches, the information provided with each service should explain exactly what that particular test analyses and what you should expect from the results.
Ancestry results are based on statistical comparisons between your genetic information and available reference populations.
They are estimates rather than exact measurements of identity or heritage.
Results can differ between providers because different companies may use different reference populations, algorithms and analytical methods.
Estimates may also change over time as reference datasets grow and scientific methods improve.
Genetic information can add another layer to what you know about your background, but it cannot provide a complete account of who you are.
DNA cannot fully describe culture, nationality, ethnicity, community belonging, lived experience or family history.
Your results should be understood as one source of information alongside family knowledge, history, culture and personal identity.
Where ìmọ̀ provides health-related or trait information, the purpose will be to help you understand selected genetic associations and scientific evidence.
Unless a service expressly states otherwise, these insights are not intended to diagnose a medical condition, confirm that you will develop a condition or replace clinical testing.
Genetics is only one influence on health. Environment, lifestyle, age, family history and many other biological factors may also contribute.
Do not make medical or treatment decisions solely on the basis of an informational genetic result.
The information available from a test depends on what genetic variants were analysed, the quality of the biological sample, the populations represented in reference data and the scientific evidence available at the time.
Some populations are better represented in genomic research and reference datasets than others.
This can affect the precision or confidence of particular results.
Where possible, ìmọ̀ reports should make uncertainty visible rather than presenting an estimate as a certainty.
DNA testing can sometimes reveal information you were not expecting.
This may include unexpected ancestry, genetic similarities, biological relationships or family connections.
Such findings can be emotionally significant and may also affect other people in your family.
You should consider the possibility of unexpected information before choosing to test.
A sample should never be submitted for another adult without appropriate authority and informed agreement.
Genetic science, reference populations and analytical methods continue to develop.
A result or interpretation provided today may be refined in the future as scientific knowledge improves.
An updated interpretation does not necessarily mean an earlier analysis was wrong; it may reflect stronger evidence or better reference data becoming available.
If you are concerned about your health, family medical history or the meaning of a genetic finding, speak to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Some situations may also benefit from support from a genetic counsellor or another suitably qualified professional.
ìmọ̀ informational results should not be used as a substitute for professional clinical assessment where one is needed.