FAQs

We’re here to Help

Whether you’re wondering if you’re eligible, how the test works, or how to bring Catalyst to your clinic, you’re in the right place.
 
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions from participants, providers, researchers, and more.

Participant FAQs Provider FAQs

For Participants

Eligibility & Enrollment

Anyone 19 or older who lives in Alabama may be eligible. There are a few exceptions—people who have had a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, received a blood transfusion in the last 6 months, or are currently incarcerated or in a state-ordered medical facility cannot join.

Nope! You don’t need insurance or a referral.

Yes, Catalyst is completely free. There’s no cost to you—no insurance needed, no surprise fees. Everything is covered, including the genetic test, your results, and access to a certified genetic counselor.

Catalyst is also a research program. When you join, your de-identified data will be used for research. This means your name and personal details are removed, and the information cannot be traced back to you. Your privacy is protected, and your participation helps improve health for people across Alabama.

Yes! You can still enroll, and you will still be able to have genetic testing using an at-home cheek swab kit. Our team will also reach out to your doctor to see if they’d like to receive your results and on-board for future patients. If they choose not to participate, we’ll still make sure you get your results with support from a certified genetic counselor.

Yes! There are two ways to collect your sample:

  1. through a blood draw at your provider’s office
  2. through an at-home cheek swab kit

The choice is up to your provider.

If your provider is doing blood draws, you’ll need to have a scheduled appointment. If they choose a cheek swab, we can ship the kit directly to you. Either way, you can sign up now and we’ll walk you through what to do next.

You can register online through our Catalyst portal. It only takes a few minutes to get started.

If you lose or damage your kit, reach out to our team by either emailing us at catalyst@southernresearch.org or by calling us at (205) 581-2389. Our team will work with you to get another kit shipped to you.

Yes. Participation in Catalyst is completely voluntary. You can withdraw from the program at any time directly through your participant portal.

Yes. You do not need a provider to participate. You can collect your sample at home, and your test will be ordered by a genetic counselor. That same genetic counselor will also meet with you after your results are processed to help you understand your report and next steps.

What’s Involved

Joining Catalyst is simple. You will:

  1. Create an account
  2. Consent to participate
  3. Tell us your provider’s name
  4. Order your genetic test
  5. Receive your results

Your sample will either be collected through a blood draw at your provider’s office or an at-home cheek swab kit, which may be done at home or at your next doctors appointment. The type of sample used—blood or cheek swab—is based on what your provider offers and what your prefer. Either option is quick and easy. We’ll even guide you through the process where needed.

Tests & Results

You will receive at least two results:

Catalyst testing covers a wide range of health insights:

  • Clinically Actionable Genes (84 genes)
    • Heart conditions
    • Connective tissue disorders
    • Rare inherited conditions
    • Hereditary cancers – including well-known genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 (breast and ovarian cancer), TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome), and MLH1 and MSH2 (Lynch syndrome)
  • Medications (70+ drugs across 15 genes)
    • Behavioral health (antidepressants, antipsychotics, ADHD medications)
    • Pain management (opioids, NSAIDs)
    • Cardiology (statins, warfarin, clopidogrel)
    • Cancer therapies (tamoxifen, fluorouracil, capecitabine)
    • Other areas: gastroenterology, neurology, infectious disease, transplant

If you provide a blood sample, you will also receive:

If your provider is part of Catalyst, your results will be sent directly to their office. If not, your results will come to your email.

No matter what, you’ll have free access to a genetic counselor who can explain your report and what it might mean for your health. We also encourage you to share and discuss your results with your provider at your next visit.

If you have questions, please reach out to the Catalyst Team at catalyst@southernresearch.org or (205) 581-2389.

Privacy & Data

Your personal results will only be shared with you, the medical provider who ordered your test, and—if they’re part of Catalyst—your regular doctor.

For research, your genetic information is de-identified, which means anything that could link it back to you (like your name or contact info) is removed. Researchers only see the anonymous data, and it’s stored securely to protect your privacy.

Only you and your medical provider will receive your results. If your provider isn’t part of Catalyst, you’ll receive them directly from a genetic counselor. Your personal info is not shared beyond that.

Your results are de-identified and are used for research.. De-identified means your name and personal details are removed so it cannot be traced back to you.

Other

Yes. Your results are yours to share freely with anyone you choose.

Yes. You can contact us anytime by phone at (205) 581-2389 or email at catalyst@southernresearch.org any time, and you have access to a cost-free genetic counselor once you receive your results.

For Providers

Program Overview

Catalyst is a free genetic testing program offered through primary care clinics in Alabama. It helps you identify inherited health risks and medication sensitivities so you can provide more personalized care—at no cost to your patients or your clinic.

Catalyst provides clinical-grade genetic testing processed in a CLIA-certified lab. Results are designed to support medical decisions. With the patient’s consent, de-identified data may also be used for research to improve care across Alabama.

Catalyst is a clinical, no-cost program designed for use in everyday healthcare—not direct-to-consumer testing. It uses whole genome sequencing processed in a CLIA- and CAP-certified lab, with results meant to support real medical decisions. Catalyst also offers free access to licensed genetic counselors, and your results can be shared with your provider to support ongoing care.

Logistics & Workflow

To get started, just complete a short on-boarding form. We’ll set up your account, provide kits and materials, train your staff, and support you as you begin offering testing. If your entire clinic is interested, we can on-board multiple providers at once. Just reach out to our team at catalystprovider@southernresearch.org.

If you choose to order the test for your patients, you will order them through the MyOme portal, and during on-boarding, you’ll choose how you’d like results delivered—either through MyOme Portal, by eFax, or both.

If you choose to just receive the results for your patients, your patients will have their test ordered for them and you will just receive the results either through MyOme Portal, by eFax, or both—depending on how you choose to receive them.

You get to choose:

  • Blood sample – If you prefer blood samples, your clinical staff will collect them during a regular patient visit using a Catalyst kit that contains everything needed for the blood draw.
  • Cheek swab – If your patient prefers not to do a blood draw, they can collect their own sample at home using a mailed cheek swab kit. This test is ordered by another medical provider, and you will only receive the results if your patient chooses to share them with you.

Results will come to you through your preferred delivery method for either option.

Currently, Catalyst is not integrated with EHR platforms like Epic or Athena. All test ordering and results access are handled through the MyOme portal or by eFax.

No, venipuncture is not reimbursable. However, Catalyst provides all the necessary supplies. If blood draws are a burden, you can choose saliva collection, which may reduce impact on your clinic’s workflow.

Once a patient registers and names you as their provider, you’ll receive a confirmation from our team. We’ll also coordinate with you for kit delivery and sample collection based on your preferred workflow.

Each kit includes step-by-step return instructions and prepaid shipping materials. Simply package the sample and call for FedEx to come pick it up.

Support

We offer personalized on-boarding, training guides, and step-by-step materials. You’ll also have access to technical and clinical support whenever you need it, including optional Q&A sessions.

Yes. Every Catalyst participant can speak with a licensed genetic counselor at no cost, whether they have questions about their results or just want to better understand what the test means for their health.

Yes. As a provider, you can request a consultation with a licensed genetic counselor at no cost. They can help you interpret your patient’s results and support next steps in their care.

Test Information

Catalyst uses MyOme’s clinical sequencing platform, which provides results that can help guide your care. The test includes:

If a blood sample is used, participants will also get:

All testing is done using whole genome sequencing in a CLIA- and CAP-accredited lab, which means results are clinical-grade and can be used in medical care.

Learn more about the tests at MyOme.com:

Once your sample reaches the lab, results usually take 4 to 8 weeks. We’ll let you know when they’re ready, and you’ll be offered a free session with a genetic counselor to go over them.

Yes. See reports linked below:

If a blood sample is used, participants will also get:

Access & Expansion

Currently, Catalyst is only available to Alabama residents through in-state providers. Expansion may occur based on future funding and partnerships.

Catalyst is funded by grants and institutional investment. The timeline for availability is dependent on continued funding.

Yes. Referrals are welcomed. Catalyst staff can provide on-boarding support to new clinics.