FAQs

What are your working hours?

Our working hours for clients with a booked appointment and providing test results.
On working days: Monday ‒ Thursday, from 9:00 till 17:30; on Fridays: from 9:00 till 16:30.
Days off: Saturday & Sunday.

How can I get an appointment?

1. Make sure that we provide testing services you require. You can check it on the website page Fees. Make up your mind about the fees.
2. Book an appointment on the website page Booking an appointment. Please note that one time slot — one person.
3. Please write down the time slot and date you have chosen or take a picture not to forget about it.
4. Please make sure you have all you need on you;
5. Arrive strictly at the time booked – Where are you located? After concluding an agreement, you can make a payment.

Where are you located and how to get there?

Our address: 27 Akademicheskaya St., Room 119, Minsk, the Republic of Belarus

Please check Yandex maps for our location. We have also prepared a route map for you, which you can save to your computer or phone or print out.

The Institute is located approximately 750 meters from the Akademiya Nauk metro station. The nearest public transport stops (buses and trolleybuses) are called Akademicheskaya. For more detailed information about the public transport (numbers) that stops at the Akademicheskaya stop, its routes and travel time, please check the Minsktrans website.

1. Go to the hall and check in at the reception desk (the ground floor);
2. Go through the reception desk area straight to the staircase; walk up the stairs to the next floor (the first floor);
3. Turn right and go straight. Make another right turn and go straight without turning till the end of the corridor. To the left, you will see the room you need (No. 119).

Next to the office, there are wall cabinets — you can leave your outdoor clothes there. You can take a seat on nearby chairs while waiting for the appointed time.

What is a genetic passport? What is it needed for?

Genetic passport is a document containing unique information about a part of a human genetic code. Doctors use this information to correct unfavourable effects of genes, e.g. in the case of the habitual non-carrying of pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and osteoporosis, and where you need to know an exact dosage for such blood thinners as Clopidogrel and Warfarin. A sports coach, together with a doctor (based on the information in a genetic passport), can plan training to achieve the best possible results, and parents can determine whether their child will be able to achieve high sporting results in the chosen type of sport or whether it is worth choosing something else. At the same time, a genetic passport will be useful not only for people with health problems, but also for people planning a surgery or athletes, coaches, future athletes and female athletes and, in fact, any person who wants to learn more about himself or herself — a footing for their health and talents. A genetic passport is a key to personalized medicine, an individual approach to each individual. This document is for life, and in our modern society, it is a must for everyone.

What does a genetic passport look like?

A genetic passport is a small booklet of A5 format. The first page of a genetic passport contains the details of the laboratory that has conducted testing, information about the certificates of conformity and the license of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus. Just below is the genetic passport number and the full name of a person it belongs to.

Information on genetic characteristics is presented in the form of a table where the first column contains the serial number, and the second column contains the abbreviation and name of the gene — the gene variant under study; the third column describes the functions of the gene and highlights important information in bold. The last column contains test results – the letter variants of genes are provided. The last page of the genetic passport contains conclusions made based on the analysis of this passport. An explanatory note is also attached.

Does a genetic passport have a validity period?

No validity period. Our testing is done once and for a lifetime.

Who can have genetic testing?

There are no limits at all with regard to those who can have testing — anyone, at any age and of any gender and nationality can have testing. For children, for example, the minimum age is determined by their parents — if a child can lie still for a couple of minutes while testing material is being collected, then he or she can be brought in.

How is it possible to test gene complexes? How much does testing cost and what does it include?

You can find information about the gene complexes on the website’s page Fees. You can also check the fee there.

• Registration, support, collection of the biological material (buccal epithelium) of a person;
• Isolation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from the sample being studied;
• Conducting molecular genetic testing;
• Development of a genetic passport.

Is special preparation required before providing test material?

No, it is not necessary. There is no need to follow a diet or perform any other special actions before providing material for testing. Taking medications, alcohol etc. will not affect genetic testing results either.

What biological material is collected for testing and how?

For testing, buccal epithelium (epithelium of the inner part of your cheeks) is collected with a special cotton swab. It is done by a client himself or herself in the presence of a laboratory diagnostics doctor. Blood is not collected.

Can I send biological material for testing by post?

Yes, it is possible. Please follow the link for detailed instructions. The test results can be received in hard copy by mail to your home directly. Where DNA cannot be isolated from the sample provided, you will need to reimburse the cost of the reagents used.

What do I need to have with me to submit material for testing?

You should have your passport and money on you. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Is testing confidential?

Yes, testing is absolutely confidential.

Are there any discounts and how is it possible to get them?

No promotional deals at the moment.

How can I pay for genetic testing services?

There are three ways to pay for genetic testing services after concluding an agreement:

• In cash, in the currency of the Republic of Belarus (BYN), Room No. 119;
• Using a plastic bank card, Room No. 119;
• Bank transfer to the Institute’s bank account – this payment method is negotiated on an individual basis at the stage of concluding an agreement.

Is it possible to make payment in installments (in advance)?

Yes, it is possible. The first payment must be at least 60% of the amount specified in the agreement. The second payment must be made before a genetic passport is ready and must fully cover the remainder.

Where and when can I pay?

Additional payments are accepted in one of the available ways during working hours. No prior appointment is required.

How soon will test results be ready?

Up to 35 working days from the date of signing an agreement. In fact, much sooner: 2-3 weeks.

How can I find out whether test results are ready?

As soon as your genetic passport is issued, you will receive a message on your mobile on the number left.

Where, how and when can I collect test results? What should I have with me?

The results can be collected during working hours at the place of your initial appointment. You must have your passport and an agreement with you. No prior appointment is required. If you have stated that you want to receive the results by mail, then wait for them to arrive.

Who can collect test results?

The results can be collected by a person in whose name an agreement is concluded (in the case of children — parents) or by close relatives. You must have the agreement and your passport with you. Where the results are collected by relatives, they should have the following with them: a relative’s passport; the passport of a person in whose name the agreement is concluded; the agreement itself. At that, you must give permission to a close relative to collect results in advance (during the initial appointment), indicating his or her full name in the application form.

Can I receive test results by post?

Yes, residents of other places can receive genetic testing results in the form of a letter (not by registered post) in a regular envelope by paper mail using Belpochta services (we do not hold responsibility for lost letters and delivery time), provided that was agreed upon during the initial appointment.

We do not bear any responsibility for the safety and confidentiality of the results sent by mail. By agreeing to receive results by mail, you must understand that they may be lost or may arrive with a significant delay (letters are not registered).

What is needed to receive test results by post?

During the initial appointment, you should inform us that you want to receive results by mail. You will be given a free envelope valid for use in the territory of the Republic of Belarus, which you will fill out in your own handwriting, indicating the recipient’s full name and address.

Do you provide medical consultations?

No, we do not. Pursuant to paragraph 1.2 of an agreement for the provision of paid services: “The test results are not clinical diagnoses. Medical recommendations and consultations on the correction of possible genotype manifestations are not provided under this Agreement.” However, when receiving test results, our specialists will competently and clearly explain what the results obtained mean.

How can I obtain a copy of a genetic passport in case it has been lost?

To obtain a copy of a genetic passport you should:

1. Call on one of the contact numbers or send an email to declare that you want to get a copy of the genetic passport;
2. You will be informed when you can come for a copy. Please do not come without prior approval! Genetic passports are stored in the archive — it takes a significant amount of time to find them and make a copy;
3. Come with the passport at the agreed time.

How can I collect an issued genetic passport?

1. Make sure that your results are ready – How can I find out whether test results are ready?
2. Come (Who can collect test results?) at any time scheduled for the release of test results bringing everything you need with you;
3. If during the initial appointment you indicated that you would like to receive your results by mail, then wait for them to arrive.