Frequently Asked Questions

for the Omega-3 Index Home Blood Test 

1. Will providing the blood sample hurt?
When providing the blood sample, you’ll use a small spring loaded lancet device for the finger prick. You’ll feel a faint sting that shouldn’t last more than a couple of seconds.

2. How much blood do I need to provide in the sample?
The home blood test only needs a drop of blood for the sample. Simply apply the drop of blood to the collection card, and allow to dry for 15-20 minutes before sending in the sample. 

3. How does the lancet work?
The home blood test uses a small spring loaded lancet device that will apply a small “prick” to your finger in order to draw the blood.

4. What if I am afraid to use the lancet?
If you are afraid to use the lancet, have a friend or family member help you. Sometimes it can help when someone else holds the lancet.

5. How do you ensure privacy of my results?
The privacy of your information is protected, and all information is kept confidential according to HIPAA and CLIA standards. Your test is sent straight to the laboratory. Once the results are ready, the information in printed by authorized personnel and placed into a sealed envelope to be sent back to you. Information is never shared with third parties or unauthorized personnel.

6. Is the test covered by insurance?
No, this test is not covered by insurance.

7. How quickly will the results be available?
Within about two weeks you will receive your lab results folder in the mail. The folder includes a customized report, explanation of results and a range of resources to help you make and sustain changes to your diet.

8. Do I need to discuss the test with my doctor?
We encourage you to share and discuss the test and results with your health care provider, however, you are not required to and the decision is yours to make.

9. If I am taking omega-3 supplements, will my Omega-3 Index be above 8%?
Not necessarily. Many factors including age, sex, weight, dietary and genetic factors, smoking, medications you may be taking, other medical conditions, as well as the source and quality of omega-3s and how they are consumed, can all influence your body’s response to EPA and DHA in your diet. This test can help you to ensure that you have adequate amounts of Omega-3 in your diet.

10. How do I know if I am getting enough Omega-3?
The Omega-3 Index provides a way to test the Omega-3 levels in your blood.

11. What is the target range for the Omega-3 Index?
The results of the test are represented by a score that studies have shown to assess your risk of heart disease, with a score of 4% or less indicating higher risk, and a score of 8% indicating relatively low risk.

12. What can I do to correct my Omega-3 Index?
If after taking the test you find that your Omega-3 Index is below your desired level, you can impact your scores nutritionally by making simple changes to your diet. Consuming oily fish and other foods containing the omega-3s EPA & DHA and taking a high quality Omega-3 fish oil supplement can help raise your Omega-3 Index levels.

13. How accurate is the Omega-3 Index test?
The HS-Omega-3 Index® has been shown to be accurate, precise and has been validated to measure your red blood cell omega-3 level. The test has been shown to be highly responsive to changes in omega-3 intake, even when measured in a dried blood spot. Intra-individual variability in the HS-Omega-3 Index® has been demonstrated to be very low.

14. What is the HS-Omega-3 Index?
The Gene Smart test uses the unique HS-Omega-3 Index® methodology, which is the same methodology used in the clinical studies that validated the correlation between the Omega-3 Index and heart disease risk. 

15. What is the target range for the Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio?
The Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio measures the proportion of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in your blood. The optimal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 has not been determined and is likely dependant on an individual’s genetic makeup and health status. However studies indicate that a ratio of below 5:1 is desirable and that a ratio of 2:1, like our hunter gather ancestors, would be approaching ideal. The Gene Smart Program targets a ratio of less than 5:1.

16. What can I do to correct my Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio?
In order to reduce your Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio, follow the recommendations for your omega-3 index score, and decrease your consumption of foods that contain high levels of Omega-6.

17. I thought omega-6s were pro-inflammatory. Why do you recommend GLA omega-6 in the Gene Smart Program?
This is an area where Dr. Chilton has done significant research, and published a number of studies. When taken together, the combination of Omega-3 from fish or fish oil and GLA from Borage Oil is anti-inflammatory. Dr. Chilton's recent study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, showed that the combination of GLA from Borage Oil together with Omega-3 from fish oil reduces the expression of genes that control allergy and inflammation. It is important to remember that GLA should not be taken without also consuming Omega-3 from oily fish or as a supplement.

18. How often should I take the Gene Smart Omega-3 Index Heart Health Test?
If your Omega-3 Index is low or your Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio is high, we suggest waiting 3 months to retake the test to give your body time to adjust to your new diet. If your scores are in the desirable range, then we encourage you to take to test on an annual basis to ensure you are staying on track.

19. How long after stopping or starting ingesting omega supplements will the test pick up changes in the blood?
If you change your diet, or begin taking omega-3 supplements, you can expect to see some impact on your omega-3 index and O6/O3 ratio scores within about two weeks. The test measures the impact of your diet over the past 3 months. That’s why in our recommendations report for those with an undesirable score, we recommend making dietary changes and then waiting at least 3 months before retesting to measure the impact of those changes.

20.  The directions say to only use one drop of blood, but the sample card provides more than one circle. What should I do?
It is only necessary to provide one drop of blood in one of the circles on the sample card in order to get accurate results.