We are so excited to welcome DNA RX to Rupa Health! We had a great conversation with Dr. Hailey Heard, co-founder of DNA RX, to learn more about the company and the tests they offer.
Introducing DNA RX!
Hi Hailey! It is great to chat with you today. What led you to start DNA RX?
In practice, I found myself offering genetic testing through some of the bigger named companies. Approximately, 5 years ago, I decided I could create something easier to understand and more applicable to patients (and clinicians). I paired up with a geneticist to perfect a nutrigenomics panel. Fast forward a few years, and I have since started three genetic testing companies, of which DNA RX (started in 2019) is the only practitioner-exclusive brand.
We are a women-owned lab, led by practicing chiropractors. We understand the nuances of practice. We want to make nutrigenomics testing more accessible - I absolutely love genetic testing as a means to tailor custom care plans for patients. Right now, we are building an educational platform for our practitioners so that they feel more comfortable with genetics and nutrition. Functional medicine will become a household name once practitioners feel comfortable offering this type of care.
That’s fantastic! Personalized medicine is so important. We here at Rupa are all about making personalized medicine more mainstream!
I would love to hear more about the tests that you offer.
Currently, our most popular test is the Wellness Genetic Panel. It has our "top 40" genes that are relevant to diet and lifestyle. It is a simple cheek swab that can be performed at any age. The information provided in this panel is related to the potential for vitamin deficiencies, the best diet for the patient, how their neurotransmitters function, and what food/chemical sensitivities may be present.
For this test, we use mass spectrometry to analyze single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We keep our panels small and specific so the practitioners (and patients) do not get overwhelmed by information that may not be useful.
Wow! This seems like a test that can benefit everyone.
How are practitioners using this test? What conditions are they using the test to diagnose?
Practitioners of all types use our test as part of wellness care and precision nutrition, as well as to diagnose histamine intolerance, Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, vitamin deficiencies, and neurotransmitter problems.
Fantastic!
Let’s get back to you. What is your favorite part of being in the functional medicine industry?
I absolutely love taking care of patients with specific, precise care. There is no one-size-fits-all or cookie-cutter method.
What is your future vision for functional medicine lab work?
I want patients to be empowered with the knowledge of how their bodies work. Labs allow them to tweak their diet and lifestyles to work efficiently. When patients understand what labs to do on an annual basis and practitioners feel comfortable truly offering that level of care, functional medicine will become a household name.
Amazing! I can’t think of a better way to end than that. I appreciate your time, Hailey! I look forward to talking with you again soon.
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