Terms of Service
Your use of our DNA testing Services is subject to the terms of the legal agreement between you and Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. outlined in these Terms of Service ("TOS"). Except as specified herein, these TOS apply to any use of the Services, including but not limited to a) submitting a DNA sample for DNA extraction and processing, b) uploading a digital version of your Genetic Information and interacting with it on our website. To use the Services, you must first agree to the TOS. You may not use the Services if you do not accept the TOS. You can accept the TOS by (1) clicking to accept or agree to the TOS, where this option is made available to you by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. for any Service; or by (2) using the Services. In this case, you acknowledge and agree that we will treat your use of the Services as acceptance of the TOS from that point onwards. Besides, when using particular Services, you shall be subject to any guidelines or rules applicable to such services that may be posted from time to time. All such guidelines or rules are hereby incorporated by reference into the TOS. Lifestyle Genomics research Centre Limited also may offer other services from time to time that is governed by different terms of service.
Overview
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. operates from its’ website registered under the domain: www.mthfr-genetics.co.uk
Before using our Website, ordering a DNA testing kit or having access to the results of the DNA testing, you must review and accept these terms and conditions which incorporate the Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited’s Privacy Statement and all other policies referred to herein by reference (the "Terms and Conditions" or "Agreement"). You are legally bound by this Agreement, which is between you and Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited. This Agreement defines your rights and responsibilities as a user of the Website and DNA testing service.
Our Services (as defined below) are operated and provided by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited, from the United Kingdom. DNA testing services and access to our Website are governed by this Agreement. This Agreement, is, to the extent permitted by the local laws of your country of residence, governed by the laws of the United Kingdom.
Becoming a User and having DNA samples tested as a part of these Services results in your personal and genetic information being transferred to, and stored in the United Kingdom or our European Union designated laboratory and your personal and genetic information being processed in the United Kingdom and your country of residence and you specifically consent to the said transfer, storage and processing.
If you submit a DNA sample of a minor you must be the minor's parent or a legal guardian and you must provide a confirmation of such in a format acceptable to Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited if requested before results for the relevant minor being provided.
These Terms and Conditions, together with Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre's Privacy Statement and any other legal notices or terms published by our company on our Website, shall constitute the entire agreement between you and Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited, concerning the Services. If you don't agree with any of these terms, you must not use this website or its services.
All DNA testing performed by our designated laboratory on samples submitted for testing or by uploading a digital version of DNA analysis is done for genetic research, including population health and ethnicity-related analyses, and not for individual medical or diagnostic purposes.
Before providing a DNA sample for testing, you represent that you are eighteen (18) years of age or older. Besides, you represent that any sample you provide is either your DNA or DNA of a person for whom you are a parent or legal guardian. By submitting DNA samples to Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd, you give permission to our designated laboratory, to extract the DNA from these samples, perform genetic tests on the DNA using test methods available now, to disclose the results of the tests performed to you and others that you authorise, to store the samples for a short time and to store the results of the DNA tests, in every case subject to and per this Agreement and with Lifestyle Genomic Research Centre' s Privacy Policy or Statement.
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited does not claim any ownership rights in the DNA that is submitted for testing. Any genetic information derived from the DNA continues to belong to the person who submitted the DNA sample, subject only to the rights granted to Lifestyle Genomics research Centre in this Agreement. Any DNA samples submitted to us cannot be returned.
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited will instruct its' designated laboratory to destroy all sample provided by you.
You confirm that in submitting your sample it is not subject to any export ban or restriction in the country in which you reside. You also agree that you have the authority, under the laws of the state or jurisdiction in which you reside, to provide the representations in this Agreement and you explicitly waive any laws or regulations relating to DNA testing and storage from the state or jurisdiction in which you reside to the extent permissible by applicable law. You agree that your sample may be tested and stored for a limited time in the United Kingdom or in our European Union designated laboratory, as provided in this Agreement. You further agree that your Results may only be accessible through the DNA results platform, accessible from the Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre’s Website or the invitations sent to you by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. via email. You may also not be able to use the results in a website targeted to your country of residence or hosted outside the United Kingdom.
You must be 18 years or older to order the DNA Test and use the services offered by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited.
You must provide Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. with accurate, complete, and up-to-date information. Failure to do so will constitute a breach of this Agreement.
Due to occasional shortages in supply, we may, on some occasions, deliver alternatives to selected collection devices, granted that the alternatives we deliver are of no lesser quality and are not limited in its' fitness for purpose.
If you have reason to believe you have active infectious disease, condition or disorder please do not return your kit to us until that disease condition or disorder is no longer infectious or has been cured.
You are aware and acknowledge that all samples should be returned no later than 3 months from the day the DNA collection kit is delivered to your shipping address.
Governing Law
These Terms and any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Services or the Website (including contract, tort, statutory and other claims) shall, to the extent permitted by law, be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of United Kingdom and subject to the jurisdiction of the courts and with the laws of United Kingdom. These laws may provide a different level of protection than in your country of residence however your mandatory statutory rights, including in relation to court jurisdiction, shall be unaffected.
Cancellations and Refunds.
You have the right to change your mind and cancel your order for a DNA test and receive a full refund at any time within 14 days of placing the order.
DNA collection kits are non-refundable.
If your collection kit has already been shipped or if you have received your collection kit but still would like a refund, Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. will deduct the cost of the collection kit, postage and Packaging as well as an admin fee, a total of £35. To cancel please contact us using the contact page on our website. You will be required to quote your order number when cancelling your order. Your right to cancel will lapse 14 days following the date of order.
Orders, followed by successful receipt of collection kits, and sample submission by end-user, can not be cancelled.
Your refund will only be provided via the credit card or PayPal account you used to purchase services or products available on the www.mthfr-genetics.co.uk website. Please allow a reasonable time for the credit to reach you.
Saliva sample checks and sample suitability.
It is the sole responsibility of sample donors or persons assisting with sample collections, to make sure that all instructions are followed properly and accurately as described in instruction sheets enclosed with each collection kit.
It is the sole responsibility of persons purchasing the DNA test and sample collection devices, to make sure that these devices are suitable and compatible with the capabilities of sample donors.
Upon arrival at our Sorting Office, each saliva sample is checked visually for its suitability for downstream procedures.
Samples that have been found not suitable for downstream procedures, will not be processed.
Examples of samples which are not suitable for downstream procedures are:
This list is not exhaustive.
If the sample you submitted has been found unsuitable for downstream procedures, you will be required to purchase a new collection kit and submit a new sample.
If the sample you submitted has been found unsuitable for downstream procedures, you will be notified about it, via email.
Our email notification will contain a link to replacement collection kits.
If you wish to cancel your order at this point, and not proceed with your sample analysis, but the cooling-off period has already expired, you may email us with a special request to cancel your order and any services associated with your order.
If the cooling-off period has expired, we may use our discretion to grant you the right to cancel, in which case, we will offer a full refund minus £35 for your original, misused collection kit, shipping and packaging fees and an admin fee.
Replacement Testing Kits
Should you require or be required to DNA collection kit Replacement, you may order one on our website.
Prices Subject to Change.
Prices may be changed by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited at any time.
Communications Between you and Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. can contact you (via the Website,
electronic mail, physical mail or otherwise) to inform you of changes or additions to any related products and services offered by our company.
You agree that any notice, agreement, disclosure or other communications that we send to you electronically will satisfy any legal communication requirements, including that such communications be in writing.
Online Sample Registration
It is your sole responsibility to register your sample online, before you send your sample to our sorting office, as clearly required and stated in the instructions enclosed within your collection kit.
You acknowledge and agree that your sample will not be processed and your results will not be issued if you fail to register your sample online.
You waive the right to any refunds if your sample could not be processed and your results could not be issued because the sample you submitted has not been registered online before it was posted to our Sorting Office.
Miscellaneous
You wave off your access to any sweepstakes, contests, raffles or other promotions (collectively, "Promotions") made available by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited.
Assignment
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited assumes the right to assign or transfer our rights and obligations under these Terms to any person who agrees to assume and comply with all the obligations set out in these Terms in circumstances that will not affect your rights or our obligations under these Terms. These Terms are personal to you and, as a result, you may not without the written consent of Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited assign or transfer any of your rights and obligations under these Terms.
Severability
In the event that any term of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement shall remain valid and enforceable. We can replace any term which is not valid and enforceable with a term of similar meaning which is valid and enforceable.
Waiver
Any failure by us to enforce any term of the terms of this Agreement shall not affect our right to require performance at any subsequent time, nor shall the waiver by us of any breach by you of any provisions of these terms be taken to be a waiver of the provision or provisions itself.
Complete Agreement
This Agreement, including any terms, conditions and policies expressly referenced herein, together with the Privacy Policy Statement and any legal notices published on the Websites belonging to Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited shall constitute the complete understanding and agreement between you and us, and shall supersede and cancel any prior or contemporaneous understandings and agreements, except as expressly provided otherwise by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited.
Changes, updates, and consent.
We are committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations governing the collection and use of personal information. From time to time, we will review the personal information collection, use, and disclosure practices to assure that we are complying with the Privacy Statement and all applicable laws and regulations. If we decide to change our Privacy Statement, we will issue an updated version of this Statement and/or notify you via Website or by other appropriate means before the change becoming effective if it is a significant change. You should review this Privacy Statement regularly to ensure you are familiar with any changes to it.
Your Results and timing of the release of your GENETIC VARIANT REPORT and raw data.
The volume of samples processed varies from batch to batch and therefore, unfortunately, we can't guarantee a fixed time in which your results will be ready. It normally takes between 8-10 working weeks before we can email the raw data and variant reports but it may take longer under some circumstances, for example - a large volume of samples being processed or if the quality of your sample requires extra measures to be applied to it, in order to produce results (for example extra purification or amplification procedures).
Any delays in relation to the release of your results can not be the basis for any claims or refunds.
Results delivery
You will receive your Gene Variant Report in a PDF format. The PDF format is ultimately a result of further processing of raw data files as generated by the GenomeStudio software at our designated laboratory, and internally processed and organised by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. with the use of commercially available software. Your pdf report will be populated with links to our research library, which contains supplementary, educational information which may assist in the interpretation of your results.
You will also receive your DNA raw data file which will include your genotyping results based on a customised Global Screening Array, manufactured by Illumina.
Genetic Variant Reports are .pdf format documents, ultimately generated out of your raw data.
Selected positions are extracted from raw data files with the use of our internal, automated methods, and fed into the software which automatically generates a colour-coded report.
The positions shown on your PDF report were selected as a result of collective research effort between Practitioners trained in Nutritional Therapy, Nutrigenomics and other areas of Functional and Integrative Medicine. This data is also subject to analysis by a Scientific Advisor, holding a minimum of Msc degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Epigenetics, Pharmacology or similar.
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. reviews the data which constitutes for template foundation for these reports, from time to time and based on new findings and newly available research, it might change, adapt or update the software used for automatic generation of the reports. These changes may also affect your result as presented in the PDF file you will or have received.
Call Rates
As part of our quality control process, an anonymized set of data is reviewed to ensure that it meets our quality standards before being loaded into your account. The data is reviewed for call rate and accuracy.
Call rate is defined as the fraction of called SNPs per sample over the total number of SNPs present on the genotyping chip.
SNPs for which a confident determination cannot be made are reported as “no calls" or “--”.
Accuracy checks include, among others, comparing the genotype sex against the sex reported during registration.
Occasionally, sets or batches of samples are flagged for additional quality review. This does not reflect on the quality or viability of a particular sample, but simply the overall set of data. To ensure that you receive information that meets our standards, in these cases, we will perform additional review steps before releasing data.
Failed Samples
A failed sample is a sample where the call rate falls below 90-95% (0.90 - 0.95) range.
If the overall call rate for a sample falls below the above range threshold, sample donors will be notified and offered a free re-analysis, provided they are prepared to pay for new collection kits.
We may, at our discretion, review requests for orders cancellations, at this stage and if approved, you will be refunded the full cost of your order, minus £35 for your collection kit and admin fees. To submit such request, please contact us, via the contact form on our website or by writing directly, to contact@mthfr-genetics.co.uk.
Results with call rates between 95% and above will be reported to sample donors.
Should your sample fail to produce results after the first attempt, we may offer you to submit a new sample. We will process your sample again, free of charge but you will be responsible for the purchasing of your replacement collection kit and you will be required to cover the shipping expenses.
Should your sample fail to produce results for the second time, we will refund your money and will deny you any further opportunities to submit another sample with us. We may wave this policy at our discretion. Please contact us if you need to discuss your circumstances in more depth.
Not a Medical Advice
Reports not to be treated as medical advice. Any content accessed through Genetic Variant Reports offered on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This content should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers if you have any questions about a medical condition, or before taking any drug, changing your diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. Do not ignore or delay obtaining professional medical advice because of information accessed through the use of this service before consulting your healthcare provider.
You agree and realise that most published reports about DNA variations explain only a small part of the heritability of a trait, and they also, not always take into account how different variants might interact. In addition, published reports typically ignore your individual environmental, dietary, microbial, medical history and lifestyle factors, any or all of which may well affect your true risk for any trait or disease.
You agree and are aware that you are strongly encouraged to discuss your DNA Variant Report report with a doctor, genetic counsellor or another health-care provider before making any medical or reproductive decisions. You also acknowledge that you are advised to confirm any significant finding discovered in part through the use of our services by an independent, clinically validated test for use in connection with the medical trait in question.
You accept the risk of learning that you may be at risk for certain diseases.
Limitations
You understand and accept that all scientific testings are subject to a margin of error, even in spite of overwhelming evidence, and, as such, cannot be proven to be 100% accurate without repetitive testing - this includes the type of DNA testing offered by Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. Per this understanding, you acknowledge and agree that you will not engage in any public activities designed to target Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd and its' products in any way that may hinder the good reputation, trustworthiness and the ability to perform expected business by our organisation. These activities include social media posts, blog comments, online articles, online forum posts, through any forms of digital graphics or video contents - be it inside private forums targetting wide membership or public groups.
You understand and accept that the data issued to you has undergone a general quality review however only a subset of markers have been individually validated for accuracy. As such, this data is suitable only for research, educational, and informational use and not for medical or other use. You also understand and accept that data downloaded at different times may be different due to ongoing improvements in technologies used to call genotypes.
Liability Disclaimer
We make no express warranties or representations as to the quality and accuracy of the Content, the Website or the Services, and we disclaim any implied warranties or representations, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement, to the full extent permissible under applicable law. We offer the Content, the Website and the Services on an "as is" basis and do not accept responsibility for any use of or reliance on the Website, Content or Services, or for any disruptions to or delay in the Services. In addition Lifestyle, Genomics Research Centre Ltd. does not make any representations as to the accuracy, comprehensiveness, completeness, quality, currency, error-free nature, compatibility, security or fitness for purpose of the Website, Content or Services. Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. does not guarantee the adequacy of the Services or Website or compatibility thereof to your computer equipment, mobile devices, and environment or any 3rd party applications and software.
To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law, we limit our liability.
In particular, we shall not be liable for any damages that we cause unintentionally and we shall not be liable to you for any actual, incidental, indirect or consequential loss or damage howsoever caused, provided that nothing in this Agreement will be interpreted to limit or exclude any liability which may not be excluded or limited by law. For example, we shall not be liable to you for any of the following types of damages, whether in contract, tort (including negligence and strict liability) or otherwise (whether such loss or damage was foreseeable, known or otherwise): (i) loss of the use of money; (ii) loss of anticipated savings; or (iii) loss or corruption of, or damage to, data, systems or programs. Because some states/jurisdictions do not allow exclusions as broad as those stated above or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, the above limitations may, in whole or in part, not apply to you. If you are dissatisfied with any portion of the Websites or the Services, or with any clause of these terms, as your sole and exclusive remedy you may discontinue using the Websites and the Services. Although we will not be liable for your losses caused by any unauthorized use of your account, you may be liable to others as well as to us if your account is used in violation of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees and agents from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees) arising from (i) your use of and access to the Website and Services and all platforms used to deliver those services and products (ii) your violation of any term of this Agreement; (iii) your violation of any third-party right, including without limitation any copyright, property, or privacy right; or (iv) any claim that your User-Provided Content caused damage to a third party. This defence and indemnification obligation will survive this Agreement and your use of the Website and Services.
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. may provide opportunities to Users of the Website to purchase services from third parties. Websites of those third parties are subject to terms and conditions different from those found here and it is your responsibility to ensure that you have read and understood them. Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. makes no warranty concerning, is not responsible for and does not endorse any third party provided goods or services, and you agree that any recourse for dissatisfaction or problems with those goods or services will be sought from the third-party provider and not from the testing Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited.
You hereby release Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. from any and all claims, liens, demands, actions or suits in connection with the DNA sample, the test or results thereof, including, without limitation, errors, omissions, claims for defamation, invasion of privacy, right of publicity, emotional distress or economic loss. This license continues even if you stop using the Website or the Services.
NEITHER YOU NOR Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. OR ANY OF ITS LICENSORS MAY BE HELD LIABLE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR ANY DAMAGES OTHER THAN DIRECT DAMAGES, EVEN IF THE PARTY KNOWS OR SHOULD KNOW THAT OTHER DAMAGES ARE POSSIBLE OR THAT DIRECT DAMAGES ARE NOT A SATISFACTORY REMEDY. THE LIMITATIONS IN THIS SECTION APPLY TO YOU TO THE EXTENT THEY ARE LAWFUL IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
NEITHER YOU NOR Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. OR ANY OF ITS LICENSORS MAY BE HELD LIABLE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT FOR MORE THAN £1,000.
USE OF THESE SERVICES AND RELIANCE ON any CONTENT we provide IS SOLELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. MAY NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF ANY SERVICE OR CONTENT.
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. may change this agreement and will post the modified agreement on its website http://mthfr-genetics.co.uk.
You will defend or settle any third-party claim against Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd., any third party Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Ltd. feature providers, or any of Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre’s other licensors arising out of or related to your use of Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre’s services.
The limitations of liability in this Section do not apply to breaches of intellectual property provisions or indemnification obligations.
Modifications to this Agreement
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre Limited may modify these Terms (including any of the terms or policies incorporated by reference herein), the Website, or the Services at any time to take account of changes to user preferences, the Internet economy, applicable laws and industry practices, or other reasons. Changes will be posted on the Website. If you do not accept these updated Terms or do not wish to be bound by changes, you should discontinue use of the Website and the Services.
Lifestyle Genomics Research Centre
Limited Company registered under CN 10977872 in the United Kingdom and Wales
for Research and Experimental Development 72200.
Copyright © 2024
