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 community, 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.

No, 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.

However, it is important to know that 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.

No, 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 directly.

No, you do not need a driver’s license to participate in Catalyst. A government-issued photo ID is not required to enroll or complete genetic testing through the program.

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

Joining Catalyst is simple. You will:

  • Create an account
  • Consent to participate
  • Order your genetic test
  • Swab and send your sample back
  • 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.

You will also be asked to complete surveys and connect your electronic health record (EHR) to your portal. These give us information to match you with potential clinical trials you may be eligible for.

If you need help enrolling or navigating the portal, our team can assist you. You can call (205) 581-2389 or email catalyst@southernresearch.org, and someone will walk you through the process or answer your questions.

Yes, you can update your contact information through your participant portal. If you need help making changes, especially before your kit ships, please contact the Catalyst Team as soon as possible.

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

Kit Shipping & Sample Collection

No, Catalyst uses a simple cheek swab, not a blood test.

You will gently swab the inside of your cheek to collect your sample. The process is quick, painless, and takes less than five minutes. You can complete it at home using a mailed kit or at a Catalyst on-site event.

When you order your genetic test within your participant portal, you will be given two options on how to give your sample:

  • Shipping a kit directly to your home: A kit will be mailed directly to your home address. When you receive this kit, you will collect your cheek swab sample according to the instructions within the kit. The kit will have a prepaid shipping label for you, and you will drop off the kit at your local post office or place it in your mailbox.
  • On-site sample collection at a Catalyst event: Our team will be at an on-site event that you will be attending or attend at the same time you register. You will show a Catalyst Team member your PID or access code showing them that you have consented to the program. The Catalyst Team member will then walk you through cheek swab sample collection. Our team will then package and ship out your sample after the event.

After you order a genetic test within your portal, a kit will be shipped to the home address you provide. If a kit has not arrived within two weeks, please reach out to our team at catalyst@southernresearch.org or (205) 581-2389. We will help track your kit or send a replacement if needed.

Genetic testing kits are typically mailed within two weeks after you order your genetic test kit in your participant portal. If it has been more than two weeks and your kit has not arrived, or if it appears lost or damaged, please contact our team at catalyst@southernresearch.org or (205) 581-2389. We will help track your kit or send a replacement if needed.

There is no strict deadline, but we encourage you to complete and mail your kit back as soon as possible after it arrives. Returning your kit promptly helps ensure timely results and keeps your participation active. If you wait too long and have questions or concerns, our team is happy to help.

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.

In some cases, a sample may get lost in the mail or not contain enough genetic material for analysis. If this happens, you will be notified, and we will work with you to send a replacement kit at no cost so you can try again.

Yes, your at-home kit includes a prepaid USPS shipping label. After you collect your sample and package it according to the instructions in the kit, you may place the kit in your mailbox and raise the flag for pickup, drop it in any USPS mailbox, or take it to a USPS post office in your area.

Timeline, Status & Results Delivery

Once your sample reaches the lab, results usually take 6 to 8 weeks. In rare cases, results may take up to 10 weeks to be returned.

MyOme, our laboratory partner, will reach out to you to let you know when your results are ready. You also can visit our website and click the Access Results page for step-by-step instructions.

Once your sample is received and processed, you will receive email updates from MyOme, our laboratory partner that delivers your results. If you believe there is a delay or have questions, you can contact the Catalyst Team for assistance at catalyst@southernresearch.org or (205) 581-2389.

“Processing” or “in analysis” means that your sample has arrived at the lab and is undergoing quality checks and genetic sequencing. This is a normal part of the testing process and can take several weeks. No action is needed from you during this time.

Your results will be sent directly to your email from MyOme, and you may also receive a phone call from DNAVisit, our free genetic counseling partner. To access your results, you will need to log in to the MyOme Patient Portal. For step-by-step instructions, visit the Access Results page.

Understanding Your 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:

Having no genetic findings means that no clinically actionable genetic changes were identified based on your sample provided. This does not mean you have no health risks or will never develop a condition. Genetics is only one part of health, and factors like lifestyle, environment, and family history also play an important role.

No, a genetic risk does not mean you will definitely develop a condition. It means you may have an increased likelihood compared to someone without that genetic finding. A genetic counselor, provided free by participating in Catalyst, will help explain what your results mean and how they may, or may not, affect your health.

No, the results you receive through Catalyst are not diagnostic. They are intended to provide information about genetic risk and medication response to support conversations with a genetic counselor and, if you choose, your healthcare provider. Any diagnosis or medical decisions must be made by a qualified healthcare professional.

Your genetic makeup does not change over time. However, as science advances, new genes or genetic variants may be identified as clinically actionable. If additional information becomes available, your data may be reanalyzed and updated results may be released.

After you receive your genetic test results, you can schedule a free genetic counseling appointment through the MyOme Patient Portal.

To schedule:

  1. Log in to the MyOme portal where you accessed your results
  2. At the top of the page, click the button to schedule a genetic counseling appointment
  3. Choose a date and time that works best for you

Your genetic counseling appointment will be a 30-minute phone call with a licensed genetic counselor through DNAVisit, MyOme’s genetic counseling partner.

As part of participating in Catalyst, you receive an optional, free appointment with a genetic counselor. You will schedule this appointment through your MyOme Patient Portal (where you review your results). To access your results and log in to your MyOme Patient Portal to request your appointment, visit the Access Results page.

Catalyst and the All of Us Research Program both aim to improve health through genetic research. However, there are some important differences.

Catalyst is supported by the state of Alabama and is focused specifically on serving Alabama residents. While it contributes to research, it is also designed to return clinically validated, health-related genetic results directly to participants at no cost.

With Catalyst, you receive:

  • Clinical-grade genetic testing performed in a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratory
  • Health-focused results that may help inform conversations with your doctor
  • Access to a licensed genetic counselor at no cost
  • A program designed to strengthen health outcomes across Alabama communities

National programs like All of Us focus on building large, diverse research databases across the country. Catalyst focuses on improving access to genetic testing and preventive care within Alabama.

Catalyst is meant to complement national and other state-led research efforts, not replace them.

Doctors, Family & Sharing Results

No, your results are sent directly to you and are not automatically shared with your doctor. You can choose to share your results with your healthcare provider through the MyOme Patient Portal or by downloading and providing them directly.

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

To learn how to access your results, visit the Access Results page. To share your results, log into the MyOme Patient Portal.

To share your results with your doctor or another provider:

  1. Log in to the MyOme Patient Portal where you received your results
  2. Click the “Share” button on the right side of the page
  3. Enter your provider’s email address

You may also share your results with family members or anyone else you choose. If you prefer, you can download or print your results and bring them to your doctor’s appointment.

If you need help sharing your results, please contact the Catalyst Team. We’re happy to assist.

No, your results are not automatically added to your medical record. You may choose to share your results with your healthcare provider, who can decide whether to include them in your medical record.

If your doctor has questions about your genetic testing results, you can share your full results report through the MyOme Patient Portal or provide them with a downloaded copy.

You may also share your Clinical Summary Letter, which explains your results in clear, easy-to-understand language. Many providers find it helpful to review both the detailed report and the summary together.

If additional clarification is needed, you can schedule a genetic counseling appointment to discuss your results and next steps.

As long as your spouse and/or family members are above the age of 19 and Alabama residents they are more than welcome to sign up for Catalyst.

No. Currently, Catalyst is only enrolling Alabama residents above the age of 19.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) Connection

Connecting your EHR allows non-genetic clinical information (such as diagnoses or medications) to be securely added into your participant profile.

Connecting your EHR does not share your genetic test results.

Genetic test results are delivered separately through MyOme and are only shared with others if you choose.

The main reason we ask participants to connect their EHR is to help identify whether you may be eligible for future clinical trials or research opportunities.

Connecting your EHR allows additional clinical information to be securely integrated into your participant profile. This helps our team better understand health trends and, when possible, match you with clinical trials or research studies you may be eligible for in the future.

Connecting your EHR is optional, and you can still participate in Catalyst even if you choose not to connect it.

No. Connecting your EHR is completely optional. You can fully participate in Catalyst and receive your genetic test results even if you choose not to connect your electronic health record.

To connect your EHR:

  1. Log in to your Catalyst participant portal
  2. Click “Share My Data” in the side menu
  3. Follow the on-screen steps to connect your electronic health record

The portal will guide you step-by-step through the connection process.

When searching for your provider, try searching for the clinic or health system name, rather than an individual doctor’s name.

For example, if your doctor practices at Infirmary Health Primary Care, try searching “Infirmary Health.”

Some providers or clinics may not yet have an established connection with our system, or their connection may still be in progress. Our team is actively working to expand provider connections across Alabama.

If you are unable to find your clinic or are unsure what to search, please contact us at catalyst@southernresearch.org or (205) 581-2389, and we can help walk you through the process.

That’s completely okay. Connecting your EHR is voluntary, and you can fully participate in Catalyst without doing so.

If your provider does not use an electronic health record system, or if their system is not yet compatible with ours, you will not be penalized or excluded from the program. Our team is continuing to work on improving EHR connection options over time.

Privacy, Legal Protections & Data Use

Your personal genetic test results are shared only with you and the certified genetic counselor who helps explain them. If you choose, you may also share them with your healthcare provider.

For research purposes, your data is de-identified, meaning your name and personal identifiers are removed. All data is stored securely and handled in accordance with federal privacy laws and research standards.

No. Your participation in Catalyst and your genetic test results are not shared with insurance companies. Catalyst does not bill insurance, and your test is not automatically reported to your insurer. Your personal results remain private unless you choose to share them.

For research purposes, any data used is de-identified, meaning your name and personal details are removed and cannot be traced back to you.

De-identified data collected through Catalyst may be used for health research aimed at improving disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of how genetics affects health. Research may include studies related to chronic disease, medication response, and improving health outcomes for communities in Alabama and beyond.

No, your personal genetic test results are private and are not shared with employers or insurance companies. Your information is protected by federal laws, including the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and health privacy laws such as HIPAA, which help prevent discrimination based on genetic information and limit how your data can be used or shared.

For research purposes, data used by researchers is de-identified, meaning your name and personal details are removed so it cannot be traced back to you.

Test Scope & Limitations

No, Catalyst testing currently does not provide ancestry, ethnicity, paternity, or familial relationship testing. The test focuses on health-related genetic information only.

No, the genetic testing you receive through Catalyst focuses on a defined set of clinically actionable genes, medication response genes, and specific polygenic risk scores. It does not test for all genetic conditions or rare diseases.

No, the genetic testing you receive through Catalyst does not detect current illnesses, infections, or diseases. It provides information about genetic risk and medication response, not current health status.

Long-Term Participation & Future Contact

Catalyst is designed as a long-term research program. You may be contacted in the future with updates, additional research opportunities, or if new information becomes available. Participation is always voluntary, and you can choose to withdraw or opt out of future contact at any time.

Yes, you may choose to opt out of future contact while remaining enrolled in Catalyst. Participation is voluntary, and your preferences can be updated at any time through your participant portal or by contacting the Catalyst Team.

Yes, based on your information and consent, you may be recontacted by our team about future research studies or clinical trials that you’re eligible for. Participation in any additional studies is always optional.

Currently, Catalyst is only available to Alabama residents. Expansion may occur based on future funding and partnerships.

Support

Yes, you can contact us 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 statewide genomic screening initiative providing no-cost genetic testing to Alabama adults. The program is designed to identify clinically actionable hereditary risk and pharmacogenomic insights while supporting long-term public health research.

Clinical genetic testing is performed by MyOme in a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratory environment. All identifiable data are handled in accordance with HIPAA regulations.

No. Catalyst operates under a participant-initiated model. Patients may enroll and complete testing without a physician order or referral.

Patients may choose to share their results with their healthcare providers for integration into clinical care, but that option is up to the participant.

No. Catalyst is provided at no cost to eligible Alabama residents aged 19 and older. Patients are not billed, and insurance is not charged for testing.

Catalyst is also a research initiative. De-identified data may be used for research purposes; however, personal identifiers are removed and cannot be traced back to individual participants. All participants are made aware of this and must consent prior to receiving genetic testing.

There is no financial obligation to your practice for patient participation. Providers may share information about Catalyst with patients at their discretion.

Clinical Scope & Utility

All clinical genetic testing is performed by MyOme, a laboratory that is CAP-accredited and CLIA-certified. Variant interpretation follows established ACMG guidelines for classification and reporting.

The clinical test offered through Catalyst 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:

No. Catalyst provides screening-level genomic information. Results are not diagnostic and do not replace confirmatory testing when clinically indicated. Clinical decision-making remains at the discretion of a medical provider.

Catalyst uses a participant-initiated enrollment model, meaning patients may enroll without a physician order. However, Catalyst differs from traditional direct-to-consumer genetic testing in several important ways.

Catalyst is funded through state support and institutional investment as a public health initiative. Clinical testing is performed in a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratory environment, and variant interpretation follows established ACMG guidelines.

Testing focuses exclusively on clinically actionable health-related findings and pharmacogenomic insights. Structured clinical reports are provided, and participants are offered access to licensed genetic counseling.

Catalyst is designed to support preventive care and medication optimization within a clinically responsible framework.

Catalyst reports are structured for clinical use and include variant classifications consistent with ACMG criteria (e.g., pathogenic, likely pathogenic, variant of uncertain significance). Pharmacogenomic findings summarize gene–drug interaction considerations based on current evidence to inform prescribing decisions. Polygenic risk scores are presented as relative risk estimates and should be interpreted in the context of traditional clinical risk factors.

Participants are offered a complimentary session with a licensed genetic counselor following results release. Participants may also share their Clinical Summary Letter with you. The Clinical Summary Letter is a summary of their results in an easy-to-interpret format.

Workflow & Integration

Results are generated by the clinical laboratory and delivered directly to the patient through the secure MyOme Patient Portal. Patients may download a PDF report or securely share results with their healthcare provider.

Results are not automatically integrated into EHR systems.

No, Catalyst does not directly integrate results into provider EHR systems. Patients may choose to share their reports, and providers may incorporate them into the medical record at their discretion.

Genetic Counseling & Clinical Support

Yes, participants are offered a complimentary session with a licensed genetic counselor following results release.

Yes, Catalyst offers provider education upon request, including informational sessions, clinical overviews, and materials for patient communication. On-site presentations and virtual briefings are available.

To schedule an educational session or request materials, please contact the Catalyst Team at catalyst@southernresearch.org.

Privacy, Legal & Data Protection

All identifiable information is protected in accordance with HIPAA regulations and applicable federal research standards.

Clinical testing is conducted in a CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratory environment, and data used for research purposes are de-identified prior to analysis.

No, Catalyst does not share identifiable genetic information with insurers or employers.

Genetic information is protected under federal law, including the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).

No, Catalyst does not ask for any health insurance information, generate billing events, or file insurance claims.

Partnership & Collaboration

Practices may:

  • Host educational sessions or on-site collection events
  • Share enrollment materials with patients
  • Join the Catalyst provider network through filling out this form

Providers interested in collaboration may contact the Catalyst team directly.