Questions & Answers

Heartgene Sciences makes hospital-grade genetic testing affordable and accessible. Our mission is to prevent anyone from dying from a genetic condition that early testing could have caught.

Heartgene samples are processed at Broad Clinical Labs, and our tests are developed in collaboration with Mass General Brigham, two of the most trusted names in genomics and medicine.

Broad Clinical Labs is CLIA certified, and every result is reviewed by a board-certified clinical geneticist.

If we find a positive result, we run your sample a second time using another method to confirm it before releasing your report. This is the same process used in top academic hospitals, and it is built into every Heartgene test.

This test is for patients who have been diagnosed with non-ischemic or idiopathic cardiomyopathy.

Yes. If your previous testing was inconclusive or identified a genetic cause, you may still qualify and benefit from additional testing.

Heartgene will never share your personally identifiable information with third parties.

Heartgene de-identifies and aggregates any health data that can be used specifically to treat or cure genetic cardiomyopathy and "throws away the key" so it cannot be re-identified. We may share this de-identified and aggregated data with researchers to accelerate scientific progress specifically toward finding a cure for genetic cardiomyopathy.

Genetic and clinical health data, once combined and analyzed, help researchers better understand the underlying causes of genetic cardiomyopathy. This accelerates the discovery of new medications and treatments, bringing effective therapies to patients sooner.

Results are typically available 4-8 weeks after we receive your sample.

Once your results are ready, we will send you an email and a message in your patient portal.

For anyone who tests positive, we offer a free, 30-minute genetic counseling session with a licensed genetic counselor. Every person who gets tested also receives results from Mass General Brigham and an easy-to-read action plan, all in your patient portal under "My Results".

Please email us anytime at support@heartgene.com. Also, for positive results, there is a chat function available under the "Results" tab in your patient portal to ask your assigned genetic counselor questions for up to 60 days after you receive your results.

Sequencing is the process of reading the complete or partial DNA code from your sample. Testing involves analyzing that DNA information to look for specific changes or variants that may impact your health.

Your DNA is sequenced at Broad Clinical Labs, the largest sequencing lab in the U.S.

Your genetic test is done at the Laboratory of Molecular Medicine at Mass General Brigham.

We give you access to your full genome data file (a downloadable .vcf) so you can use it however you choose, including with other tools or services now or in the future.

Your genetic code does not change, and as science advances, your data will continue to be valuable for years to come.

Adults (18+) with a diagnosis of idiopathic or non-ischemic cardiomyopathy, consistent with current AHA/ACC/HFSA and ESC guidelines. Free testing is for probands only.

Two options:

1. Order kits for your office — keep them on hand and distribute to eligible patients.
2. Refer patients directly to Heartgene.com — patients can request a kit, register, and consent on their own.

All patients must register their kit online before testing can begin.

Yes. Kits can be shipped to any U.S. address except in the state of New York. You can request a supply for your practice or have patients request one themselves.

Patients register the kit online, complete eligibility and consent, provide a cheek swab (no food/drink/gum 30 minutes prior), and return it using prepaid mail.

Heartgene works with Broad Clinical Labs for sequencing (blended genome-exome).

Heartgene works with Mass General Brigham’s Laboratory for Molecular Medicine (LMM) for expert cardiomyopathy-specific interpretation and reporting.

Typically 4–8 weeks after the lab receives the sample. Patients receive email updates at key steps.

For Positive results (pathogenic or likely pathogenic): Patients receive notification in the Heartgene portal to schedule a visit with a genetic counselor. They receive the results during their genetic counseling session. DNAvisit verifies the patient’s ordering provider and faxes results to your office. Patients are also encouraged to upload results via MyChart or bring a copy.
For Negative results: Patients receive notification in the Heartgene portal. Providers are not sent separate reports for negatives. If you would like results delivered in a different way, please email support@heartgene.com to clarify your preferred method.

Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants. Variants of uncertain significance (VUS) are not included. If positive, patients also receive a genetic counseling summary letter.

Our standard reporting policy is to return only actionable variants. However, in rare situations — such as when a provider observes a strong family trend — we are open to case-by-case discussions regarding VUS results.

Yes. Patients with a positive result are offered free, virtual counseling through DNAvisit. Counseling includes explanation of results, care and family implications, and support for next steps.

Patients may receive a genetic report, a counseling summary (if positive), and guideline-based recommendations for follow-up or family screening.

Yes. Heartgene and our partners follow HIPAA regulations and industry best practices to protect patient privacy. All genetic and health information is stored securely and transmitted through encrypted, compliant systems.

You can reach us directly at support@heartgene.com. For urgent clinical questions, please include “Provider Inquiry” in your subject line so we can prioritize your request.