COMT and MTHFR Genetic Test
COMT gene mutations can affect enzymes that activate certain key neurotransmitters (e.g., dopamine, adrenaline). As a consequence of valine (Val) to methionine (Met) change at position 158, completely different personality, emotions, behavior and memory may develop. Therefore, COMT genes play important role in mental health disorders such as drug and alcohol abuse, schizophrenia, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, bipolar disorder and ability to handle pain. COMT's impact on these so called catecholamines also affects estrogen levels and treatment for Parkinson's disease.
MTHFR genes code for an enzyme with the same name that methylates folate (Vitamin B9). This process is crucial for digesting homocysteine, high levels of which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Those with certain MTHFR gene mutations might require methyl folate instead of folate in their diets. Adults with depression might benefit from such changes in their folate supplementation. MTHFR is also useful in predicting toxicity of anti-folate medications.
With a simple saliva swab, the COMT and MTHFR genetic test checks both COMT Met & Val mutations and MTHFR C667T (C-->T) & A1298T (A-->T) genetic mutations.
Our Home COMT and MTHFR At-Home Genetic Test is easy, fast, reliable, and requires just a few steps:
Order Online.
Receive The Kit And Collect Sample At Home.
Ship It Back For FREE To Our World-Class CLIA Labs (US only).
Receive Secure, Confidential, & Easy-To-Understand Report Within Days For Your Comprehensive Home COMT and MTHFR Test.
What are the COMT genes?
COMT (Catechol-O-methyltransferase) is an enzyme often associated with pain sensitivity. It is responsible for the digestion of certain catecholamine neurotransmitters such as dopamine and adrenaline.
The most common COMT gene mutation is at v158m location, which results in the replacement of the amino acid valine (Val) with methionine (Met) at position 158 in the enzyme.
Met/Met pair has been shown to reduce the enzyme activity 3-4 times, which makes it difficult to process chemicals such as dopamine. This can lead to increased dopamine levels and tendency to seek high-adrenaline activities, greater sensitivity to pain, as well as higher propensity to addictions.
In contrast, Val/Val pair reduces dopamine levels which can cause depression, feeling of helplessness, sleep problems, and anxiety.
COMT also affects estrogen levels which can cause menstrual problems such as PMS.
The COMT genetic test checks the different variants of the genes that produce the COMT enzyme.
What are the MTHFR genes?
MTHFR (methylene-tetra-hydro-folate reductase) genes are responsible for helping our bodies make proteins of the same name.
The two most common mutations for MTHFR are C667T (a change from C to T at location 667) & A1298T (A-->T) genetic mutations.
MTHFR genes are specifically important for digestion of folate (vitamin B9), and help lower homocysteine levels. High homocysteine is known to increase the risk of heart diseases.
They are also critical for digesting the drug methotrexate, which is used in rheumatoid arthritis and chemotherapy.
MTHFR genes have been associated with possible risks of multiple conditions including heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. Anyone with a family history of arthritis and adverse effects of methotrexate should check for MTHFR genotypes.
How to check for high pain sensitivity and higher tendency to addiction?
We all have different abilities to handle pain and stress. However, certain COMT gene mutations naturally have higher pain sensitivity or tendency to addiction due to their genes.
You can order an easy, low-cost COMT and MTHFR genetic test to assess your risk without going to a doctor or lab: (1) Order a test kit online; (2) collect a sample at home with a few cheek swabs; (3) send the sample to one of our CLIA-certified labs; and (4) find out your risk of mental disorders and sensitivity to pain in few days.
Want to learn more?
Our thoroughly researched articles are easy to read and review the latest research in the field. Go deeper with data-driven information on some of the most common tests and the up-to-date research. You can read them anytime from the menu at the top.
Stay on top for the latest news and research by following the Alzheimer's Association. Also, you can learn more about APOE and MTHFR at the NIH Genetics Home Reference.
Q: Can I purchase the test across US?
A: Except New York and New Jersey our tests are available in all 48 states. State regulations in NY, NJ do not allow us to ship the tests to their residents.
Q: What does the kit contain and how do I use it?
A: The kit for our COMT and MTHFR Genetic Test contains few saliva swabs, instructions on how to collect the sample, and a form requesting basic information including date and time of collection. The directions are straightforward and easy to follow.
Q: How long does it take to receive the results?
A: You will receive the kit within 3-5 business days with a prepaid return envelope (for orders within US; for orders coming from outside US, we pay for shipping to your address but you will need to find a way to return the sample back to our lab in US).
After you ship the sample and it is received by our lab, results are typically available within 5-7 business days.
Q: How do you handle my samples and data?
A: Your samples are kept by the lab for two weeks and the extracted DNA is kept for 3 months. The samples are disposed off in biohazardous waste that is picked up by a certified waste management company that specializes in medical waste disposal and follows strict regulatory guidelines.
Regarding your data: we are required to maintain the data for a minimum of 2 years. Your data is released only to those authorized by you. We also ensure that such information is maintained in the strictest confidence in accordance with HIPAA and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations. In certain cases, we may release information to a third party if such information is required for medical treatment or by federal or state law.
Q: What do I expect from the report?
A: The report with your test results will be easy to understand and will have all the necessary details. It will mark your genotype for COMT & MTHFR. It will briefly discuss what the results mean.
Q: Can I use my insurance to pay for the test?
A: No. We do not have the capability to process the insurance claim. Insurance plans vary by individuals and may not pay for genetic testing. Please talk to your insurance provider if you have any further concerns.
Q: How reliable are my results?
A: We have partnered with CLIA-certified labs that are used by physicians across the US. These labs are regulated by the states, as well as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Majority of the tests from these labs are FDA approved to ensure they meet the proper regulatory requirements. Additionally, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) requires inter-laboratory tests to ensure the ranges established by each lab do not drift or are not out of acceptable ranges. This is done by regularly testing reference samples between different labs. Finally, the labs test thousands of sample for different age groups and health conditions, and have well established reference data to compare your results against this large pool.
Q: Can you recommend what therapy should I take if my levels are high or low?
A: Unfortunately, no. As a lab test provider we can only test and report out data from your samples. We are not authorized to provide any medical recommendations. But we strongly encourage you to discuss the results with your doctor for next steps.
