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FAQs

for Patients

  • When should I consider doing genomic testing?

    There are several factors to consider before undergoing genomic testing; namely, type(s)of cancer(s), small panel vs big panel genomic testing, stage of disease, clinical guidelines recommendations, etc. First and foremost, you should discuss the benefits and limitations of genomic testing with your doctor.

    The decision to include genomic testing in your treatment management should be made as soon as possible. A comprehensive genomic test requires approx. 2-4 weeks, excluding any logistical processes. Therefore, making this decision as early as possible will provide you and your doctor with the information needed to decide upon an optimal treatment strategy in a timely manner. 

  • What kind of results can I expect from genomic testing?

    You may expect 3 possible results: i) detected mutation with treatment recommendations; ii) detected mutation with no treatment recommendation because of a lack of supporting clinical evidence; iii) no mutation found. Any of these three possible scenarios will serve as essential information for your doctor to determine your available treatment options. 

  • How often should I do genomic testing / When should I consider repeating genomic testing?

    This depends on your purpose for undergoing genomic testing. For example: i) for a disease monitoring purpose, blood can be taken at different times to evaluate the stage of your disease; ii) for a treatment purpose, blood or new tissue (biopsy) can be taken to re-do genomic testing when the disease has progressed or relapsed.

  • If I have a gene mutation(s) detected, will it affect my family members?

    This depends on the types of gene and mutation that are identified. If the genes are related to hereditary cancers, i.e.BRCA1/2, etc., your family members may consider undergoing hereditary genetic testing too. This will evaluate if an individual will be at a higher risk of contracting a hereditary cancer in their lifetime. The results report will also provide recommendations on how to manage any potential risk identified.

    Before proceeding with hereditary risk genetic testing, individuals should consult with a genetic counselor to discuss the benefits and limitations of the hereditary genetic test.  

  • Is genomic testing covered by my health insurance?

    Genomic testing is often considered as an out of pocket expense. However, increasingly, it is becoming more common for private insurance companies to cover the cost of genomic testing when it is deemed necessary to manage a disease. To determine how much of the cost would be covered, we would encourage you to request this information from your health insurance provider.

  • Can I order the genomic test by myself without going through a doctor?

    Our test can only be ordered by a medical doctor owing to its complexity and the comprehensiveness of the report. In addition, your doctor will be aware of your medical status and history, and will be in the best position to formulate a tailored treatment plan for you. 

  • Why should I consider ACT Genomics instead of other providers to do the genomic testing?

    Our laboratory meets the strictest laboratory standards set out by the College of American Pathology (CAP), who are a global leader in the area of healthcare laboratory standards. In addition to our CAP accreditation, ACT Genomics provides a variety of high-quality genomic tests that are focused on different requirements. This variety will provide you with the option to pick the most appropriate and cost-effective test for your needs. In addition, in the rare case that your sample does not meet the chosen test requirements, you will be able to choose a more suitable test from our extensive range. This will avoid having to waste your sample and you having to search out other options (i.e. other genomic testing providers, etc.).

  • What types of sample/specimen is best for genomic testing?

    The two most common samples used are tissue (FFPE) and blood. The latter(blood)sample type tends to have some limitations and the results may be affected by the disease stage of the patient. Thus, tissue (FFPE) is often the most-preferred sample type for genomic testing. 

  • Can I use my older biopsy tissue for genomic testing?

    Yes, you can! As long as the sample (biopsy) has been suitably stored and prepared. However, if you have undergone several treatments since the biopsy was taken, this sample will not be a true representation of your current situation. Therefore, a new biopsy would be recommended. 

  • Is a genomic testing result able to cure my cancer?

    No. Genomic testing provides you with essential information on your provided tumor sample to enable your doctor to better manage your cancer treatment. 

for Medical Professionals

  • How do I decide which ACT Genomics panel is the most suitable for my patients?

    Our ACTG staff will be able to advise you on the most appropriate panel based on the information you provide, such as cancer type, objectives of the test, biomarker/s of interest, financial considerations, etc.

  • How do I interpret the ACT Genomics report?

    ACT Genomics provides a 1-on-1 consultation with one of our experts to extract all the useful information that can be found from the report. In addition, our Medical Science Liaison (MSL)team is able to further assist you in finding appropriate clinical evidence based on the results in the report.

  • Why should I consider ACT Genomics instead of other providers to do the genomic testing?

    Our laboratory meets the strictest laboratory standards set out by the College of American Pathology (CAP). In addition to our CAP accreditation, ACT Genomics provides a variety of high-quality genomic tests that are focused on different requirements. This variety will provide you with the option to pick the most appropriate and cost-effective test for your patient's needs. In addition, in the rare case that your patient's sample does not meet the chosen panel requirements, you will be able to choose a more suitable panel from our extensive range. This will avoid having to waste your patient's sample and you having to search out other options (i.e., other genomic testing providers etc.).

  • Is ACT Genomics test recognized by insurance companies?

    The cost of our tests have been successfully claimed by patients. The success of reimbursement by an insurance company is also determined on several other factors namely i) insurance type and coverage chosen by the patients; ii) the reason for performing genomic testing, etc. We would recommend you encourage your patient to contact their healthcare insurance provider.

  • What kind of sample can be used for genomic testing?

    ACT Genomics is able to perform testing on the following samples: Tissue (FFPE), Blood, DNA, Cell block (≥1x106), and Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Tissue (FFPE) blocks and slides are the most commonly received samples and are often the preferred sample of genomic testing providers. 

  • What happen if the sample submitted does not meet the test requirements?

    ACT Genomics practices timely updating of the test progress. Upon receiving a sample, a quality check (QC)will be performed on the sample. If the sample fails this QC check, you will be notified within 2-3 days from the date of receiving the sample to make further arrangements, i.e. provide a new sample, etc. We seek to ensure that all parties involved are aware of the progress of the testing to alleviate any anxiety associated with any delays in getting this essential information to you.

  • Can I use the older biopsy tissue for genomic testing?

    Yes, you can! As long as the biopsy has been suitably stored and prepared. However, if your patient has undergone several treatments since their biopsy was taken, this sample will not be a true representation of their current situation. Therefore, a new biopsy would be recommended.