FAQs
Catalyst by Southern Research is a research program that aims to advance personalized medicine by allowing participants to contribute genetic, social and health information for research and drive research participation. We hope to learn how access to genetic, social and health data as well as education and research opportunities may impact outcomes.
The goal of Catalyst is to lower the barrier for sharing and access to genetic and health information. We hope this will contribute to advancements in research and medicine as well as help providers develop personalized health strategies for their patients.
Joining Catalyst makes it easier to gain access to genetic testing recommended by your provider, potentially improving your health. You also contribute to valuable research that could lead to new treatments and personalized care options.
To join Catalyst, you need to create an account on the Catalyst website or mobile app, complete a brief eligibility survey and consent to participate. You will also provide a blood sample, complete surveys about yourself and your experience, and share your electronic health record.
Catalyst is a research program designed to make genomic, social and health information more accessible. Unlike many other programs that send results directly to participants, Catalyst increases access by paying for genetic testing that a provider wishes to order. This allows for the results to be integrated into ongoing care. By coupling blood donation for research with blood collection for the MyOme Personal Genome test, we hope to lower risk and burden on the participant. Catalyst also hopes to learn whether genomic test results are more likely to be used in patient care, which could lead to improved health outcomes and personalized treatment plans. Additionally, Catalyst helps participants learn about clinical trials, especially those who usually can’t access them. By focusing on access to genetic, social and health data, Catalyst aims to provide the building blocks for personalized healthcare to everyone in Alabama, no matter where they live.
Precision Medicine is where your doctor picks the best treatment for you based on your genes, lifestyle, and environment with consideration for your unique medical and non-medical factors that contribute to your health. When your primary care provider has this information, you will be able to be treated faster in a way that will work for you.
Pharmacogenomics is the study of how your genetic makeup influences your body’s response to medications. Each person’s response to medications is different, and your genes affect the way drugs are used and broken down in our bodies. For some people one treatment might work while for others it might have a bad side effect. By understanding what medications will best work for you, your provider can gain insights into how you may respond to a particular medication and pick a treatment that will work for you the first time.
A polygenic risk score is a test result that shows your chance of developing certain health conditions based on many different genes. It looks at your genetic information to estimate your risk for diseases like heart disease or diabetes, which can help your doctor give you better health advice.
Genes are segments of your DNA. Genes are what your parents have passed down to you and determine many of your traits, such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases. Some genes can increase your risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, while others can protect you from certain health problems. Additionally, genes can impact how your body responds to medications, which can affect their effectiveness and your risk of side effects.
Genome sequencing is a scientific process that looks at a person's genes and DNA to learn more about their health and any possible medical conditions they may have. It can help doctors and scientists better understand how our bodies work and how to treat certain diseases.
When diseases are caught early, they are often easier to treat and the chances of a successful outcome are higher. Early diagnosis also allows for earlier intervention, which can improve quality of life and reduce the risk of complications. In some cases, early detection can even lead to a complete cure. That's why understanding your health risks along with regular check-ups and screenings are crucial.
By joining Catalyst, you will receive free access to the MyOme Personal Genome test recommended by your provider, which provides insights into your genetic risks and medication effectiveness, along with genetic counseling if you want to discuss your test results with a genetic counselor. Your information can also help us inform you of relevant research and clinical trials you may be eligible for. Additionally, you’ll receive a one-time $25 eGift Card for your time completing all program activities.
Participants may withdraw from Catalyst at any time. As participation in Catalyst is optional, participation can be suspended at any time.
Participants, at any time for any reason, may choose to no longer participate in Catalyst by changing their participation status on the Participant Portal or by contacting the Support Center which will guide the participant through the process.
No, the genetic test, the MyOme Personal Genome test, is provided free of charge for all Catalyst participants.
No, your provider will not get billed for your MyOme Personal Genome Test. The cost of your test is paid by Catalyst.
No, you are responsible for any costs outside of the MyOme Personal Genome Test.
If you complete all program activities (complete surveys, give your sample, and share your EHR), we will offer you a one-time $25 eGift Card as compensation for your time.
No, your insurance company will not know if you participate in Catalyst. However, if you receive follow-up care based on your results from Catalyst, your insurance may be billed.
Your participation in Catalyst itself will not directly affect your insurance premiums. Genetic information is protected under the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which prevents health insurance companies, group health plans, and most employers from using your genetic information to discriminate against you or affect your premiums. However, if your genomic test results lead to recommendation for additional clinical testing or treatments.
For example, if your genomic test results find that you have an increased chance of developing breast cancer, then your doctor may want you to have mammograms more often than most women. The cost of these mammograms may be covered by your health insurance policy, or you may have to pay for them.
The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protects you from discrimination by health insurance companies, group health plans, and most employers based on your genetic information. However, GINA does not cover life, disability, or long-term care insurance. While the chance of your information being used by these companies is very small, it's important to be aware of potential costs for additional tests or treatments recommended based on your genomic results.
To participate in Catalyst, you will be asked to provide your email address or mobile phone number, answer a few personal questions, and share your electronic health record (EHR). You will also be asked to give a blood sample, share your genetic results for research, as well as complete surveys about your health and background. Once you review your results with your healthcare provider, we will ask you some questions about your experience.
Your provider will collect two tubes of blood, one tube will be used for your MyOme Personal Genome test, and the other extra tube of blood will be donated to Catalyst for research.
After you give your sample at your provider office, your samples will be sent to Birmingham, AL. One of your blood samples will be sent to the MyOme laboratory for genome testing to analyze your genetic information. The MyOme Personal Genome test results will then be shared with your healthcare provider. Your other sample will be deidentified and stored for future research.
Your personal information, or information that can be linked back to you, can only be seen by a few extensively trained Catalyst Team members and they are dedicated to protecting your privacy.
Information that can’t identify you, including your sample, is only available to approved researchers who have agreed to strict privacy rules and shown their research plans. These researchers come from different institutions and access data only for specific research purposes.
Researchers will use de-identified information from Catalyst participants to conduct studies, analyze health trends, enhance community health initiatives, and develop new medications. This data aids in creating new treatments and identifying participants for relevant clinical trials.
Yes, you will have access to your survey results through your participant portal. Your MyOme Personal Genome test results will be sent directly to your medical provider from MyOme, and you are encouraged to review these results with them to discuss any implications for your health.
Yes! We encourage you to share Catalyst with your family and friends.
Children are not eligible for Catalyst at the moment. Currently, we are looking to expand to children above the age of 14 in the upcoming year. Check back for more information soon.
Catalyst ensures your privacy with strict data security measures, including secure handling of your genetic and health information and compliance with privacy regulations.
Catalyst is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act awarded from the State of Alabama and the City of Birmingham.
To reset your password, visit the portal login screen and select Forgot Password. You will be able to send your email or phone number on file a verification code and use it to create a new password.
You can contact the Catalyst Team by emailing us at [email protected] or calling (205) 581-2389.
If you encounter technical issues, please contact our support team at [email protected] or call (205) 581-2389 for assistance. The Catalyst Team will get back to you as soon as possible to offer you assistance.
If you have more questions, please reach out! Feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or call us at (205) 581-2389.
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