Scientific process used to obtain the data

Selection of diseases

The initial selection is made on the basis of two criteria:

• Scientifically proven genetic link;
• Scientifically proven preventive measures

Genetic link

To determine whether there is a link between a certain disease and a certain gene, we refer to research from the field of DNA science. A three-step validation model is employed:

1. Has scientific research demonstrated a strong or very strong link? The answer can be found in the MEDLINE database, which contains more than 20 million references to scientific publications. We consult this database with the help of PubMed, the search engine of the United States National Library of Medicine.
2. Has the relationship been demonstrated by several researchers and is there no contradiction between studies? To answer this question, we consult, amongst other things, expert reviews that list and appraise all the scientific studies in a particular area. In many cases these experts are working together as a consortium, e.g. the Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC). We consider the findings of dozens of reviewers for every disease. Only if these provide a consistent picture do we use the information for your iGene Passport.
3. Are the reviews still up to date and relevant? To answer this question, we have developed a research tool that we use to re-analyse all the source material from all the studies. This actually means that we carefully repeat the review from the previous step. It is possible, for example, that new research has been conducted recently. We also examine the results more critically, as they not only need to be scientifically significant, but also relevant, and in particular must have an impact on your happiness.

Preventive information

We derive general information on prevention from the official information made available to the public by government authorities. In this way we ensure that the information about public health that we are using is independent and scientifically substantiated.

We supplement this general information with more specific information based on recent research. Here we employ the same validation model used when providing information on the genetic link (see above). 

Curative information

In the area of curative information (information on treatments and cures) we take the current standards of national associations of general practitioners and the relevant specialist guidelines as a basis.

Pharmacogenetic information

Pharmacogenetics is the specialist field that studies the relationship between human DNA and the active substances in drugs. Research is conducted into both the therapeutic effect and potential side effects.

Presentation of information

The presentation of the information is based in part on two criteria:

• Impact factor (how great is the impact on happiness?)
• Incidence (how common is a disease?)

To determine the impact factor, we refer to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO). With regard to incidence we take information from national research institutes and patient associations as a basis.