How it Works
Simple test,
sophisticated science.
Smart young woman slightly smiling and looking into the middle distance
Smart young woman slightly smiling and looking into the middle distance
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How it Works

Simple test,
sophisticated science.

Microscope icon

Understand your health at its most basic level.

Want to learn more about the process? Read on.

The science of Picture

01
Your genes can affect your health
While environment and lifestyle choices play a major part in the development of health conditions like cancer or heart disease, some people inherit genetic variations that put them at increased risk. Picture can help you discover your genetic risk of getting conditions like these while there is still time to take preventive measures. Once you know, you can take action—which could mean making healthy lifestyle changes, exploring preventive medical treatments, or having more frequent checkups—to ensure you remain the healthiest version of you.
02
Your genes can affect your family
Your genetics are a big part of what makes you you — and because genes are passed from parents to children, they’re also part of what makes a family! We each inherit two copies of every gene — one from our mom, and one from our dad. In some cases, we can inherit a single disease-causing gene without being affected by it, because our second copy of that gene protects us from any negative effects. However, if you and your reproductive partner both carry a disease-causing gene, your children are at risk of being affected. Picture can tell you whether you carry these risks, allowing you to explore the family planning options that are best for you.
03
A simple saliva collection
How does Picture analyze your DNA? All we need is a small sample of your saliva, in a collection tube that we’ll provide. Because your DNA is in every cell in your body, it’s naturally in your spit! Once Picture receives your sample, we sequence and analyze your DNA. And because our lab is clinically certified, the analysis you’ll receive is medical quality.
04
Real scientists, real analysis
Using the latest scientific studies and guidelines, our genetic experts create your personalized report. Our scientists look specifically at how the variations in your genes might be different from the general population’s—this is how we can identify whether you have any known genetic risk factors. Thanks to decades of research on the human genome, it’s possible for us to know whether variants are common or uncommon, and sometimes, whether an uncommon variant is associated with a genetic condition.
01
Your genes can affect your health
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02
Your genes can affect your family
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03
A simple saliva collection
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04
Real scientists, real analysis
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Analysis is completed via Next Generation Sequencing and includes deletion/duplication analysis.

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For more information on test specifications, download our clinician infosheets:
Picture Parenting
Picture Wellness
Picture Newborn
Picture PD Aware
Picture PGx

How it Works

Advanced science made easy.
Picture can calculate your risks, giving you one less “unknown” that you can get ahead of.
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Order
It's simple and 100% online
No doctor visit necessary. Just a smart, easy way to take an informed look into what the future might hold.
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Spit
You probably know the drill
We’ll mail you everything you need. Just spit into the provided collection tube, register your kit, and mail it back to us.
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Review
Get the answers
Receive your personalized health results online, and gain the peace of mind that comes with being prepared for what’s next.
Every Picture order is reviewed and approved by clinicians at an independent provider network, and genetic counseling support is available for every test.
Order Picture Products

Did you know...

Over 99% of your DNA is shared across all humans on earth, but a tiny bit is unique to you.

Your body is made up of cells, and inside each cell is your DNA—the molecules that tell your body how to grow and function. It’s this DNA that determines things like the color of your hair, or whether you get freckles.

Sometimes these genetic variations can increase your risk for certain diseases or health conditions. In other cases, these variations don’t affect you directly, but could affect your children.

With genetic testing, you can discover your risks and give yourself time to prevent, mitigate, or manage them.
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How it Works

What to expect

Once Picture has analyzed your DNA, we’ll send you your full personalized report online.

We’ve worked hard to ensure that our reports are comprehensive — giving you exactly what information you need, and none that you don’t.

Your report will inform you whether you tested positive or negative for the genetic variants that Picture looks for. Once you receive your report, you’ll also have the opportunity to schedule a discussion with a genetic counselor—someone professionally trained to walk you through what your results could mean for yourself and your family.
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Positive Result

A positive result means we found a potentially disease-causing variant.
This could mean that you or your child are at increased risk of developing a genetic condition. If you receive a positive result, you should talk to your doctor and/or a genetic counselor to discuss next steps (every Picture test comes with a genetic counseling session included!).
It’s important to note that a positive result is not necessarily a diagnosis, and only indicates increased risk. Different positive results can have different health implications, which should be conveyed in your report and discussed with a healthcare provider.
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Positive Result
A positive result means we found a potentially disease-causing variant.
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Negative Result
A negative result means that we did not find a disease-causing variant.
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What we test for

We only provide medical-quality information that is helpful for your personal wellness and family planning.

At Picture we believe that knowledge is powerful, and that understanding your family’s health risks means you can make better, more well-informed decisions.

All diseases that we test for are conditions that doctors can help you prevent and manage. We’re proud of our stringent scientific standards.

Whether you're ordering our Parenting, our Newborn, or our Wellness test, you'll be able to discuss your results with a healthcare provider and develop a personalized health plan that fits you and your family. Each test is tailored for different stages of your life and family planning -- learn more about specific tests on our Products Page.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Popular questions about Picture.

Here are just a few of the things people frequently ask about Picture.
If you don't see your question here, get in touch with us.
How does genetic testing work? Expand Icon
What is genetic counseling? Expand Icon
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