Genes matter when determining your nutrient needs (learn more here), so these genetic tests need to be performed accurately and include the relevant information needed to determine your needs. Plus, the sourcing and production of your personalized vitamins needs to be completed by qualified and certified professionals.
Clearly, the laboratory where these vital processes occur is wildly important. Let's talk more about the lab...
Who Performs the Analysis?
Rootine’s co-founder, Daniel Wallerstorfer, PhD is one of the leading experts in the field, spending the past decade at the intersection of genetics, biology, and nutrition. He works alongside a team of top scientists, geneticists, and biotechnologists who have collectively spent decades analyzing genetic data, engineering nutrigenetic algorithms, and pioneering nutrient personalization techniques.
Florian Schneebauer MS. - our current lab employee spotlight - is the laboratory manager, geneticist, and expert in genotyping techniques. He’s responsible for implementing new analytical procedures, product development, and laboratory administration.
Additional members of the lab team: Daniela Feinweber MS., Marcus Lothaller BS., René Rohrmanstorfer MS., Saskia Degenhart MS., Thomas Dullnig MS.
Is the Lab Certified?
Yes, to the highest levels. All Rootine testing, manufacturing, and product development is completed at our licensed medical-grade genetics laboratory. The lab carries ISO 9001, 15189, and 22000 certifications, follows all FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), completes rigorous in-house and 3rd party testing, and participates in an interlaboratory proficiency program to ensure accurate genetic testing results.
What Process Does the DNA Go Through?
First the DNA is extracted from the sample collection using silica membrane DNA extraction which is automated on state-of-the-art testing equipment. The sample is then loaded into plates where they are analyzed using reaction chemistry. The reaction chemistry is based on various SNP genotyping technologies such as TaqMan, KASP, and Fluidigm. There are some genetic tests that need to be performed quantitatively (measuring how much rather than what genetic code) and this is done by real-time PCR. As soon as genetic analysis is completed, the samples are rendered unusable. They are removed from the containers and sprayed with a solution that reliably breaks down the DNA.
What Data Security Protocols Exist at the Lab?
Due to our lab’s approval to carry out medical genetic tests, our lab must meet particularly high data protection requirements. Regular state audits for approval, as well as internal and external controls, check that we meet the strict requirements of medical data.
The employees of our laboratory are subject to medical confidentiality and are regularly trained in data protection. Every employee has undertaken - in writing - compliance with medical confidentiality terms. The data of our customers is treated with the same confidentiality as is standard in hospitals and medical practices. In order to prevent unauthorized access to customer data, our lab’s systems are equipped with the latest security measures and only employees that explicitly require access to this data to carry out their responsibilities can access. In addition, every access to sensitive data includes the identity of the respective employee to guarantee traceability of data requests.
In order to protect our systems from unauthorized access, the lab has implemented two-factor authentication. To further protect the identity of our customers, the genetic samples are not labeled with names but instead with an encrypted QR code. As an additional security measure, genetic and personal customer data sets are divided after receipt and stored separately on different servers. Therefore, even in the highly unlikely event of a data breach, the intruder would either have a simple list of contact details or a worthless file of genetic codes without any personal reference.
As an approved human genetic laboratory, our lab follows the standard recommendation for medical laboratories and store genetic data for seven years after its last use, as described above. This enables us to use the genetic analysis and recommendations within this period to create additional rounds of personalized vitamins and for additional experience, specific to the customer (i.e. further personalization of their vitamin). The genetic data can be deleted at any time upon request. Customers who do not wish for their data to be saved in our system will file a form where they can request deletion. We use the data received only for the intended purpose and never pass or sell it on to third parties.
How Do My DNA Results Help Create my Vitamin Packs?
Results from your DNA analysis are first analyzed by top scientists and then fed through Rootine’s proprietary algorithm that offers recommendations taking into account up-to-date research and daily recommended allowances as determined by the FDA.
To create a personalized daily vitamin packet based on your DNA, click here to get started.
