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, and 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 enroll. Our team will also reach out to your doctor to see if they’d like to receive your results.

Yes! You do not need to see or have a doctor to join Catalyst. You can sign up now, order a genetic testing kit, and your results will come to you via a genetic counselor.

You can join Catalyst online through our portal. It only takes a few minutes to get started and order your genetic test.

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.

What’s Involved

Joining Catalyst is simple. You will:

  1. Create an account
  2. Consent to participate
  3. Order your genetic test
  4. Swab and send your sample back
  5. Receive your results

Creating your account, consenting, and ordering your test typically takes 10–30 minutes. Your cheek swab kit will arrive by mail in about 2 weeks. The swab itself takes less than 5 minutes. Once you mail your sample back, your results will be ready in approximately 6–8 weeks.

Your sample is collected using an at-home cheek swab kit that we send directly to your home. The cheek swab is quick, easy. We’ll walk you through each step to make the process simple and stress-free.

Tests & Results

You will receive at least two results:

  • Single-gene risk results – Findings across 84 clinically actionable genes. These results identify genetic changes that can directly inform your care and support decision-making in a clinical setting.
  • Medication response results – Insights into how your body processes and responds to more than 70 commonly prescribed medications, helping guide safer and more effective treatment choices.
  • Polygenic risk scores – Estimates your health risk scores for common conditions including:

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
  • Polygenic risk scores -Estimates your health risk scores for common conditions including:

Your results will be sent directly to your email, and you may also receive a phone call from DNAVisit, our free genetic counseling partner. A genetic counselor will walk you through your report and discuss what it may mean for your health. We also encourage you to share your results with your provider at your next visit.

If your provider is part of Catalyst, your results will also be sent directly to their office.

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

Privacy & Data

Your personal genetic test results will be shared only with you, the free HIPAA-certified genetic counselor, and your regular doctor if you choose to share them.

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 will know you took the test unless you choose to share your results. Your genetic test results are private and are only shared with the genetic counselor and, if you choose, your medical provider.

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, once you’re approved you’ll complete a short Provider On-Boarding Form. After that:

  • Your patients will join Catalyst directly through our website and order their own genetic test.
  • Their cheek-swab kits will be mailed to their homes.
  • You will receive your patients’ results through the online Catalyst provider portal.
  • Your patients will also receive their results and a free consultation from a Genetic Counselor.

If your entire clinic is interested, we can onboard multiple providers at once. Just reach out to our team at catalystprovider@southernresearch.org

To get started, you will complete a short provider on-boarding form. During on-boarding, you will choose how you want to receive your patients’ genetic test results either via eFax, within the genetic testing portal, or both.

Your patients will join Catalyst and order their own genetic test through our website and complete their cheek swab at home or during an on-site collection event. Their results will be shared with you and also reviewed with them by a genetic counselor at no cost.

Catalyst uses cheek swabs only. Your patients will collect their own sample using a simple cheek-swab kit. Kits are mailed directly to the patient’s home after they join through our website.

If your clinic would like help, Catalyst can also come on-site and handle all swabbing for you. Our team brings all materials, assists your patients, and ensures samples are shipped correctly. Click here to learn more.

Once a patient receives their results, you will receive a copy as well. These results will be delivered through your preferred method (either through the portal or by eFax).

Yes. Catalyst offers full on-site sample collection at no cost to your clinic (learn more here). To request on on-site collection day, use the Request Form (linked here) or email catalyst@southernresearch.org with your preferred dates. Our team will arrive with all kits and materials and manage the entire collection process.

Support

Yes! Catalyst provides full support to make the testing process easy for you and your staff. This includes:

  • A brief onboarding and workflow overview so you know exactly how results will be delivered (portal or eFax).
  • Step-by-step training on buccal swab collection, including how to walk patients through the process.
  • Educational materials and patient-friendly instructions you can share in your clinic.
  • On-site collection support, where our team can come to your clinic to swab patients directly if you prefer.
  • Direct access to our provider support team for questions about registration, collection, or results.

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:

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 6 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:

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.