Frequently Asked Questions

Our complete genetic performance test costs £199. This includes your test kit, laboratory analysis of 50 genetic markers, comprehensive personalised report, and lifetime access to your results in our customer portal. There are no hidden fees or additional costs.

We accept all major credit/debit cards, PayPal, and offer secure payment processing through Square. For gift purchases, visit our Gift Vouchers page.

Ordering is simple: click "Buy Now" on our website, add to cart, and complete checkout. We'll dispatch your kit within 1-2 business days using tracked delivery. You'll receive shipping confirmation with tracking information.

International customers: We ship worldwide. Delivery times vary by destination - check our Shipping & Delivery page for country-specific estimates.

We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for unopened test kits. If you haven't used your kit and aren't completely satisfied, contact us within 30 days of delivery for a full refund (minus return shipping).

Important: Once your sample has been processed or your kit has been used, we cannot offer refunds due to the personalised nature of genetic testing. If you have concerns about your results, please contact our support team.

UK customers: Typically 2-4 business days after dispatch via Royal Mail Tracked 24.

International customers: Delivery times vary by destination:

• Europe: 5-10 business days
• USA & Canada: 7-14 business days
• Australia & New Zealand: 10-21 business days
• Rest of World: Up to 21 business days

All orders are tracked. Visit our Shipping & Delivery page for detailed estimates and shipping zones.

Yes! You can order multiple kits in a single transaction. This is perfect for families who want to compare genetic profiles. Each kit will have a unique ID, and you can assign them to different family members through your customer portal. Each person receives their own personalised report and lifetime portal access.

Family discount: Contact us for information on bulk orders for teams, clubs, or large families.

Yes, we ship worldwide. Your order will be processed in GBP (British Pounds), and your card provider will handle the currency conversion.

Important notes for international customers:

• You are responsible for any import duties or customs charges in your country
• Return envelopes are UK-only; international customers pay return postage
• Some countries may have restrictions on genetic testing - please check your local regulations

See our Shipping & Delivery page for international shipping costs and delivery times.

Yes! We offer digital gift vouchers in three denominations:

• £50 Starter Voucher: Perfect for taster gifts and stocking fillers
• £100 Premium Voucher: Our most popular option for serious athletes
• £199 Complete Test Voucher: Covers the full test cost - the ultimate gift

How gift vouchers work:

• Purchase online and choose your recipient (yourself, them, or both)
• We email a unique single-use voucher code
• Recipient enters code at checkout for instant discount
• Vouchers lock to the recipient's email for security
• Valid for 12 months from purchase

Perfect for: Birthdays, Christmas, coach gifts, team awards, or anyone interested in optimising their athletic performance. Visit our Gift Vouchers page to purchase.

We accept all major payment methods:

• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
• Digital Wallets: PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay
• Bank Transfer: Available for orders over £500 (contact us first)

Payment security:

• All transactions processed securely through Square
• We never store your complete card details on our servers
• PCI DSS compliant payment processing
• SSL encryption for all payment data

Currency: All prices are in GBP (British Pounds). If you're paying from outside the UK, your card provider will handle the currency conversion at their standard rates.

Billing: You'll receive an email receipt immediately after purchase. Your card statement will show "SportGene" as the merchant.

Sample collection is simple, painless, and takes less than 2 minutes. Your kit contains a cheek swab - no needles or blood required.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water
2. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking for 30 minutes before collection
3. Rub the swab firmly on the inside of both cheeks for 30 seconds
4. Place the swab in the preservation tube and snap off the handle
5. Seal the tube and place it in the return packaging

UK customers: Use the prepaid Royal Mail Tracked 24 envelope included.

International customers: Return postage is your responsibility. We recommend using a tracked service to ensure your sample arrives safely.

Standard turnaround: 21 days from when we receive your sample at our UK laboratory. You'll receive an email notification when your report is ready.

Factors that may affect timing:

• High demand periods (post-New Year, pre-competition seasons) may extend turnaround by 3-5 days
• International samples may take longer to reach the lab
• Sample quality issues may require recollection

Expedited service: Contact us if you need results urgently - we may be able to offer priority processing for an additional fee.

Tracking: You can monitor your sample's status in your customer portal: "Received" → "Processing" → "Complete".

Occasionally, samples may fail due to insufficient DNA quality or quantity. If this happens, we'll contact you within 7 days of receiving your sample and provide a free replacement kit.

Common reasons for sample failure:

• Not enough cheek cells collected (swabbing too lightly)
• Sample degradation during transit (extreme temperatures)
• Contamination (eating/drinking before collection)

Our recollection policy:

• First replacement kit: Free of charge
• Second replacement: £25 processing fee
• You have 90 days from original purchase to complete the test

Tips for success: Follow instructions carefully, collect before eating/drinking, and return samples promptly.

We analyse 50 carefully selected genetic markers (SNPs - Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) that have strong scientific evidence for influencing athletic performance and training response.

Key gene categories we test:

• Power & Endurance: ACTN3 ("sprinter gene"), ACE ("endurance gene"), PPARG
• Recovery & Injury: COL1A1 (tendon injury risk), IL6 (inflammation), CRP (recovery speed)
• Nutrition Response: FTO (metabolism), ADRB2 (weight management), MTHFR (folate processing)
• Psychology: BDNF (motivation), COMT (stress response), DRD2 (reward-seeking)

These markers were selected based on peer-reviewed research in sports genetics and epigenetics. For the complete scientific background, visit our Science page.

Genetic analysis accuracy: Our laboratory testing has a 99.9% accuracy rate for detecting the specific genetic markers we analyse. This is the industry standard for genetic testing.

Understanding what accuracy means:

• We correctly identify your genetic variants with 99.9% certainty
• However, genes are only one piece of the puzzle - environment, training, nutrition, and lifestyle also matter greatly
• Our predictions are based on population-level research, not individual guarantees

Scientific validation: The genetic markers we test are supported by peer-reviewed studies in sports science journals. However, athletic performance is complex and multifactorial - genetics explain roughly 50-70% of performance differences, with environment and training accounting for the rest.

Important: Use your results as guidance, not destiny. We encourage working with qualified coaches and trainers to interpret your genetic profile in the context of your goals and circumstances.

Not at all. The cheek swab collection is completely painless and takes less than a minute. There are no needles or blood samples required.

Your comprehensive report includes 17 detailed performance profiles across multiple categories:

Performance Profiles:

• Power vs Endurance potential
• Training response & adaptability
• Recovery speed & requirements
• Injury risk factors (tendons, ligaments, bones)
• Optimal training volume & intensity

Nutrition & Metabolism:

• Macronutrient responsiveness
• Caffeine sensitivity
• Hydration requirements
• Vitamin & mineral needs

Psychology & Motivation:

Stress response & management

Motivation & reward-seeking behaviour

Sleep quality & requirements

Each profile includes: Your genetic result, scientific explanation, practical recommendations, and action steps.

View a sample report to see exactly what you'll receive.

Yes! Once your report is ready, you can:

• Download PDF: High-quality version for printing or sharing
• Share directly: Generate a secure link to share with coaches or trainers
• Mobile access: View your report on any device via your portal
• Lifetime access: Your report never expires - access it anytime

Your report includes detailed explanations that coaches can understand and apply to training programmes. Many users share with their personal trainers, nutritionists, or sports coaches for integrated planning.

Self-interpretation: Your report is designed to be clear and actionable, with scientific explanations and practical recommendations for each profile. Most users can understand and apply the results without professional help.

Professional interpretation options:

• Sports coaches: Many personal trainers and coaches can help interpret results in the context of your training goals
• Nutritionists: Can explain how your genetic nutrition responses affect dietary planning
• Our support: Email us if you have specific questions - we typically respond within 24 hours

Important note: Our results are for informational purposes only and are not medical or diagnostic advice. For health-related concerns, consult with qualified healthcare professionals.

Coming soon: We're developing a coaching network of certified SportGene interpreters. Check our website for updates.

Your genetic results never change - your DNA is the same from birth to death. You will always have the same genetic variants we identify.

However, you might consider retesting if:

• New scientific discoveries emerge - we periodically update our analysis as research evolves
• We add new genetic markers to our panel (future updates may be available)
• You want updated interpretation based on new training methodologies

Our commitment: Current customers receive discounted rates for future panel updates. We'll notify you when significant new markers are added to our analysis.

What changes over time: While your DNA stays the same, your epigenetics (how genes express themselves) can change based on training, nutrition, and lifestyle. Your genetic report provides a foundation, but your daily choices ultimately determine your athletic development.

Sample processing: Your sample is analysed at our UK laboratory to extract DNA and test the 50 genetic markers. This process typically takes 2-3 days.

Sample disposal: After analysis is complete, your physical sample is destroyed within 30 days. We do not keep your DNA sample for future testing or research purposes.

Data retention:

• Genetic data: Stored securely for 7 years (UK GDPR requirement for medical data)
• Account data: Kept as long as your account is active
• You can request deletion at any time - see our privacy policy

No research use: We do not use your genetic data for research or sell it to third parties. Your DNA is only used to generate your personalised report.

Yes. Visit our Sample Report page to see exactly what you'll receive.

Yes, your genetic data is extremely secure. We implement industry-leading security measures:

Data encryption:

• AES-256 encryption (military-grade) for all stored data
• HTTPS/TLS encryption for all data transmission
• Encrypted databases with access controls

Security measures:

• UK-based data centres with 24/7 monitoring
• Regular security audits and penetration testing
• Staff background checks and training
• Compliance with UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018

Data access: Only authorised personnel can access your data, and only for legitimate business purposes (processing your test, providing support). We never sell or share your genetic data with insurance companies, employers, or marketers.

Your rights: You can request data export, correction, or deletion at any time. Contact us for data-related requests.

Primary access: Only you can access your genetic results through your secure customer portal, protected by your email and password.

Your sharing control: You have full control over who sees your results:

• Voluntary sharing: You can share your report with coaches, trainers, or family members using secure links
• Revocable access: You can cancel shared access at any time
• No automatic sharing: We never share your results without your explicit consent

Staff access: Limited SportGene staff may access your data only for:

• Processing your test and generating your report
• Providing customer support (with your consent)
• Maintaining and improving our services (anonymised data only)

Important: We will never share your genetic data with insurance companies, employers, or government agencies unless required by law (for example, with a valid court order).

SportGene vs other genetic tests:

Ancestry/health tests (23andMe, AncestryDNA):

• Focus on ancestry and health risks, not athletic performance
• Include many more genetic markers (500,000+) but less sports-specific interpretation
• Often sell or share data for research (we never do)

Other sports DNA tests:

• Some test fewer markers or use outdated science
• Many make exaggerated claims about "genetic potential"
• We focus on practical guidance, not determinism

Our advantages:

• Sports-focused: Every marker we test has proven relevance to athletic performance
• UK-based: Data stays in the UK, covered by British privacy laws
• Practical: Actionable recommendations you can implement immediately
• Transparent: Clear about what genetics can and can't tell you

Research-backed: Our marker selection is based on peer-reviewed sports science research, not marketing hype.

Yes, absolutely. Under UK GDPR, you have the "right to be forgotten." Here's how data deletion works:

What gets deleted:

• Your genetic data and analysis results
• Your account information and contact details
• Questionnaire responses and personal information

What we keep:

• Anonymised data for quality control (no personal identifiers)
• Basic transaction records required by UK law (tax, accounting)

How to request deletion:

1. Contact us through your portal or email support@sportgene.co.uk
2. We'll confirm your identity and process your request
3. Deletion typically happens within 30 days (often sooner)
4. You'll receive confirmation when deletion is complete

Important: Once deleted, your data cannot be recovered. You would need to purchase a new test if you want genetic analysis again.

Solid scientific foundation: SportGene is based on peer-reviewed research in sports genetics, exercise physiology, and sports medicine. We don't use fringe science or unproven theories.

Key research areas:

• Performance genetics: Studies on ACTN3, ACE, and other power/endurance genes published in sports science journals
• Injury risk: Research on collagen genes (COL1A1, COL5A1) and tendon/ligament injuries
• Nutrition genetics: Studies on how genes affect response to diet, caffeine, and supplements
• Training response: Research on how genes influence adaptability to different training types

Our approach:

• We only include genetic markers with strong scientific evidence
• We avoid deterministic claims ("you will be a sprinter")
• We focus on probabilities and tendencies, not certainties
• We update our analysis as new research emerges

Transparency: Visit our Science page for detailed references to the research behind each genetic marker we test. We're happy to provide scientific papers on request.

Limitations: Sports genetics is a evolving field. We acknowledge uncertainty and avoid overpromising. Your results are guidance based on current science, not guarantees.

Never. We do not and will not share your genetic data with insurance companies, employers, or any other third parties. Your genetic information is yours alone.

Our commitment:

• We never sell or share genetic data for marketing or research purposes
• We don't work with insurance companies to provide them genetic data
• We actively oppose genetic discrimination in all forms

Legal protections: In the UK, genetic discrimination is largely prohibited. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) style protections exist in British law, and we fully support these protections.

Important exception: Like all companies, we must comply with valid legal requests. If required by law (for example, a court order in a criminal investigation), we may be compelled to provide data. However, these situations are extremely rare.

Your control: You decide who sees your genetic results. Share them only with people you trust - coaches, trainers, family members - on your terms.

No, and we're very clear about this. Your genetic profile can indicate tendencies and potential, but it cannot predict whether you'll become an elite athlete.

What genetics can tell you:

• Whether you're naturally inclined toward power or endurance sports
• How quickly you might recover from intense training
• Your risk factors for certain types of injuries
• How you respond to different training approaches

What genetics cannot tell you:

• Whether you'll achieve elite status (many factors involved)
• Your motivation, discipline, or mental toughness
• The quality of your coaching and training environment
• Opportunities you'll have access to

The reality: Many elite athletes have "unfavourable" genetic profiles but achieve greatness through hard work, smart training, excellent coaching, and determination. Conversely, some people with "ideal" genetic profiles never reach their potential due to lack of opportunity, motivation, or proper guidance.

Our philosophy: Use your genetic results as a guide to optimise your training, not as a predictor of success or failure. Focus on what you can control (training, nutrition, mindset) rather than what you can't (your DNA).

Recommended age: 8+ years old. We recommend this minimum age for several important reasons:

Why age 8+?

• Sample collection: Children need to be old enough to follow the cheek swab instructions properly
• Understanding results: Results should be used as guidance, not labels - children need emotional maturity for this
• Relevance: Genetic tendencies become more relevant as children get closer to choosing specialised sports

For children under 18:

• A parent or guardian must provide consent and manage the account
• Results should be discussed with parents and coaches in a supportive way
• Avoid putting pressure on children based on genetic results
• Focus on enjoyment and skill development, not genetic "potential"

Sensible use for young athletes:

• Help choose sports that align with natural tendencies
• Identify injury risk factors for prevention strategies
• Inform training approaches without limiting possibilities

Our advice: Use results to guide young athletes toward activities they'll enjoy and excel in, but keep options open. Many successful athletes compete in sports that don't match their genetic profile.

Yes, when used appropriately and with the right perspective. Genetic testing can be a valuable tool for young athletes when approached sensibly.

Appropriate uses:

• Sport selection: Help identify sports a young athlete might naturally enjoy and excel in
• Injury prevention: Identify risk factors to address with proper training and conditioning
• Training optimisation: Tailor training approaches to natural tendencies for better results
• Nutrition guidance: Understand individual responses to diet and supplementation

Inappropriate uses (avoid these):

• Talent identification: Don't use genetics to decide who's "worth" investing in
• Early specialisation: Don't limit young athletes to specific sports too early
• Pressure or labeling: Don't create expectations or limit possibilities based on DNA
• Comparison: Don't compare young athletes based on genetic profiles

Our philosophy for young athletes:

• Focus on enjoyment and skill development first, genetics second
• Use results to guide, not dictate, sporting choices
• Emphasise that hard work and coaching matter more than DNA
• Encourage trying multiple sports, even those that don't "match" genetic profile

Remember: Many successful athletes compete in sports that don't align with their genetic tendencies. Genetics influence potential, but passion, dedication, and excellent coaching determine success.