• Please read and understand this guide before completing the genetic testing consent form.
• Review the concept, purpose, methods, and your rights in relation to the DTC genetic testing service.
• Refer to the information booklet and consent-form instructions to understand how to complete the required forms.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing is a service that consumers can request directly.

DowGene Dr.Care DNA Test provides genetic testing for the purpose of “disease prevention based on nutrition, lifestyle, and physical characteristics,” within the scope designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

DTC genetic testing is not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Results must be used only as reference information about the potential influence of genetic factors. Environmental conditions and lifestyle also affect individual characteristics, so results should not be interpreted as definitive.

DowGene Co., Ltd. is a genetic testing laboratory certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. We perform tests in accordance with established standards and procedures to maintain service quality and reliability, and we strictly protect consumers’ personal data and genetic information.

※ This test is not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Results should be used as reference information for wellness management.

Genetic test results are not a medical diagnosis establishing your current health or predicting whether you will develop a disease in the future.

1. These results must not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of disease. Consult a physician whenever medical advice is necessary.
2. Because actual environmental factors, including current health, medical examination results, and lifestyle, are not incorporated, results may not agree with present or past health conditions or personal characteristics.
3. This report provides results only for the person tested; it does not explain the results of other family members.
4. The test does not analyze every gene or single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affecting each trait. The SNPs analyzed may be updated based on new research, and genetic interpretations may change upon future reanalysis.
5. Favorable, Moderate, and Caution classifications reflect genetic factors only. They neither represent a person's current condition nor determine outcomes, which may vary considerably with lifestyle, diet, and other environmental factors.
6. Only test traits permitted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare are provided.
7. Under Article 46 of the Bioethics and Safety Act (Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Genetic Information, etc.), test results must not be used as grounds for discrimination in education, promotion, insurance, or other social activities. Except where specifically provided by law, no person may force another person to undergo genetic testing or submit genetic test results.
8. The clinical significance of this test has not been established, and there is not yet sufficient objective evidence that health-related actions based on its results are useful. Genetic testing in children may also raise ethical concerns.

※ Testing for minors aged 14–18 is conducted separately from the standard service under the eligibility criteria, permitted traits, and consent procedures of the national pilot program.

1. DTC genetic test results are based on statistical tendencies within a population and do not account for the individual's nutritional status, diet, lifestyle, behavior, activity, or other personal circumstances.
2. Because personal characteristics and health are influenced by both genetics and environmental or lifestyle factors, DTC testing of variants associated with wellness traits does not cover all relevant genes.
3. Results may differ among providers depending on the number and type of genotypes analyzed, the interpretation methods and algorithms employed, and the reference databases available.
4. Accordingly, the same individual may receive different interpretations from different laboratories because each laboratory may select different genetic markers, criteria, or algorithms and, where evidence is limited, may apply its own interpretation method.
5. Understanding DTC genetic test results correctly and using them to manage your health more carefully and cultivate healthy habits may support wellness. However, because DTC genetic testing is not for diagnosing or treating disease, it is important to recognize these limitations when interpreting your results.
6. If you need medical advice, visit a healthcare institution and consult a qualified physician.

※ The clinical significance of these genetic test results has not yet been established, and sufficient objective evidence supporting the usefulness of health-related actions based on them is not available.

※ Under Article 46 of the Bioethics and Safety Act (Prohibition of Discrimination Based on Genetic Information), genetic information may not be used to discriminate against a person in education, employment, promotion, insurance, or other social activities. Unless otherwise specifically permitted by law, no person may coerce another to undergo genetic testing or disclose test results.

Sample Management

• Samples collected from applicants are analyzed by DowGene Co., Ltd., the genetic testing laboratory.
• Pursuant to Article 53 of the Bioethics and Safety Act, samples are disposed of immediately after genetic test results are obtained.

Applicant Rights & Privacy Protection

1. Applicants may request an explanation of their results from DowGene Co., Ltd., the testing laboratory.
2. DowGene Co., Ltd. complies with the Personal Information Protection Act, its Enforcement Decree and implementing rules, and applicable personal information protection guidelines, and securely manages personal information.
3. As a rule, applicants' personal information is not used for purposes other than this test.
4. With consent, personal information (name, date of birth, sex, contact number [telephone or mobile], address, and email address) is collected and used to identify the test subject, send test materials and text notifications, provide results, and respond to inquiries. You may refuse consent; however, the service cannot be provided without it.
5. Personal information and genetic test results are retained for 10 years from the date of consent. Genetic information other than the test results is destroyed immediately after results are obtained. You may request changes to or withdrawal of your consent concerning personal information, sensitive information, and genetic testing at any time. Upon withdrawal, information held by the laboratory will be destroyed.
6. To protect test subjects' personal information, identifying data are de-identified, and access or sharing is restricted to authorized personnel, including the testing service administrator, results analysis and delivery personnel, and the overall responsible manager.
7. Please refer to the Privacy Policy on the DowGene Co., Ltd. website for information about our handling of personal data.

Participation is based on voluntary consent, which may be withdrawn at any point during testing. Even after the test is complete, you may request the disposal of stored personal information and any retained samples.

If a test subject withdraws consent, DowGene Co., Ltd. will promptly destroy the relevant personal information and samples in accordance with applicable laws, using methods that prevent recovery or reuse.

① Procedures and Methods for Destroying Personal Information

When personal information is no longer needed because the retention period has expired or the processing purpose has been fulfilled, it is destroyed with the approval of the person responsible for personal information protection.

• Electronic files are deleted using irreversible methods such as low-level formatting.
• Paper documents are destroyed by shredding or incineration.
• If another law requires retention for a specified period, the relevant information is stored separately in a dedicated database or storage location.

② Procedures and Methods for Sample Disposal

If consent is withdrawn or the testing purpose has been fulfilled, collected samples are promptly disposed of in accordance with Article 13 of the Wastes Control Act and the Bioethics and Safety Act, following the designated procedures for disposal of human-derived materials.

Interpretation of these genetic tests is based on academic publications, public databases (including NCBI, dbSNP, and GWAS Catalog), and genetic association research conducted in a variety of populations, including Koreans, other East Asian populations, Europeans, and Africans.

Interpretations of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may vary across populations due to differences in genetic characteristics and environmental conditions. Where statistical significance has not been established for certain markers in Koreans, interpretations may draw on scientifically supported findings from studies of other populations.

DowGene Co., Ltd. prioritizes evidence from Korean or East Asian populations where available, while also considering studies from other populations, including Europeans, where necessary. Even for an identical genotype, actual effects may differ by genetic background, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Details of the scientific evidence, population applicability, interpretation criteria, and algorithms used are available on the scientific evidence page below.

View Scientific Evidence for DTC Genetic Testing +

Additional services ("secondary services") may be offered to help consumers understand their test results and provide information for better wellness management.

Secondary services may include more detailed interpretation of genetic results, lifestyle improvement guidance, general nutrition and exercise recommendations, and genetic information consultations. These services are provided only with separate consent for the collection and use of personal information.

Regardless of whether you consent to secondary services, you will still receive your basic genetic test results and may request an explanation through our customer service center or a separate inquiry.

No relationship between a test subject's genetic results and products or services recommended or provided by our institution has been established through separate scientific or clinical testing. Medical effectiveness is not guaranteed.

Consumers have the right to choose freely whether to purchase or use specific products or services. Declining these products or services, including those offered by third parties, does not restrict access to the genetic testing service.

Through optional secondary services, DowGene Co., Ltd. seeks to help applicants develop a deeper understanding of their genetic characteristics and support more effective personal wellness management.

※ Secondary services are not intended to diagnose or treat disease. Medical decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare institution.

1. Handling of Samples During Business Suspension or Closure: If our institution suspends operations or closes, specimens may be disposed of or transferred to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency or another institution in accordance with the applicable Ministry of Health and Welfare regulations.
2. Retention of Genetic Test Records: Test reports are retained for 10 years in accordance with applicable law.
3. Access to Records and Information: Applicants may request access to relevant records.
4. For any other questions, please contact our customer service center.