What does the Evartia metabolic genetic test look for?
Genes contain instructions that help your body work. When an inherited change affects one of the genes involved in metabolism, it can alter how the body makes, uses or breaks down certain substances.
As a result, too much of a substance may build up, the body may not make something it needs, or energy production may be affected. The exact effect depends on the gene involved and the person’s wider clinical picture.
Evartia checks 223 genes across 13 broad groups of inherited metabolic disease. You can review every gene in the Evartia panel under ‘Test provider and further information’ further down this page.
Although Evartia covers a wide range of genes, it does not assess every gene, every type of genetic change or every possible cause of the symptoms you want to investigate.
Who may the Evartia test be suitable for?
Evartia may suit a child or adult whose symptoms do not yet have a clear cause. These might involve energy levels, development, the nervous system or the way the body responds to fasting, illness or particular foods.
The test may also be relevant when an inherited metabolic disease is known or suspected within your family. However, Evartia is a focused genetic investigation rather than a general health or wellness check.
Repeated vomiting, seizures, extreme sleepiness, loss of consciousness or rapid deterioration require urgent medical help, whether the symptoms affect you or someone for whom you are arranging the test. Do not wait for Evartia or its result.
What can your result tell you?
Your report can have one of several outcomes:
- find a gene change that could help explain the relevant symptoms
- find no gene change known to be relevant
- find a gene change that needs further investigation
A gene change does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. Its meaning depends on the symptoms being investigated, medical history, family history and other test results.
Once you receive the report, we always recommend that you discuss your results with your healthcare professional. They can consider the genetic finding alongside the other available information and advise whether further tests or a specialist referral may be helpful.
If Evartia does not identify a relevant gene change, this does not rule out every inherited metabolic disease. The cause may involve a gene or type of change that the panel does not cover.
For that reason, do not change your diet, supplements, medication or emergency care plan based on this report alone.
Sample and collection details
- Sample: Buccal Cheek Swab
- Collection: at home using the supplied kit
- Price: £395
Information that can help explain your result
To make the report as useful as possible, note when the symptoms began and whether fasting, illness or particular foods appear to affect them. This creates a clearer timeline for the professional reviewing the result.
It can also help to gather previous test results and details of similar conditions within your family. Your GP or specialist can use this information to assess whether a reported gene change may be relevant.
A finding may also matter to biological relatives or future pregnancies. However, your result cannot confirm whether another family member has the same change, so each relative may need their own advice and testing.
What happens after an Evartia result
If Evartia identifies a potentially important gene change, a doctor specialising in genetics or inherited metabolic conditions may recommend another test to confirm it. This could involve blood, urine or more focused genetic testing.
Your healthcare professional can then compare the finding with the symptoms and discuss whether focused testing or advice may also be relevant to biological family members.
If no relevant gene change is found, this does not mean that the symptoms have no genetic or medical cause. Your GP or specialist can decide whether a different type of investigation may be more suitable.
My DNA Lab will provide the complete laboratory report and the provider’s interpretation. Keep both documents together so the professional reviewing the result has the full information rather than a screenshot or summary.
Any diagnosis, treatment or change to your care should be discussed with an appropriately qualified medical professional.
Test provider and further information
