About empowerDX
empowerDX offers focused genetic tests such as APOE and MTHFR, with physician authorization included. You collect the sample at home and receive a reviewed report online. Mental Vitality also adds finger-prick blood measurements.
Activate your home kitReturn the required samplesRead your reviewed report
Offerings
empowerDX APOE Gene Test
$99
one-time
Focused APOE Alzheimer-risk report.
empowerDX MTHFR Gene Test
$129
one-time
Focused MTHFR folate-pathway genetic wellness analysis.
empowerDX MTHFR & Brain Health Advanced Panel
$269
one-time
Focused MTHFR folate-pathway genetic wellness analysis with additional finger-prick biomarkers.
Results
For empowerDX APOE Gene Test. Choose an offering above to see its details.
- Results
- A reviewed result and explanation for the focused test you select.
- Access
- Web
- Download
- Downloadable report
- Timing
- 5–7 business days after lab receipt
Collection
Activate the home kit before collection. Focused gene tests use cheek swabs; Mental Vitality also requires a finger-prick blood sample.
Reviews
What people praise
Quick results when collection goes smoothly
Some genetic-test buyers describe receiving clear results within about a week, appreciating the convenience of completing the sample at home and checking the report online.
What people complain about
Kit problems can be hard to resolve
Buyers describe activation failures, delayed kits or unusable samples, with some struggling to reach support or arrange a refund when the testing process stalls.
More explanation of the results
Some genetic-test customers want clearer explanations of what their findings mean and what to do next, rather than a report they still need help interpreting.
Stories
Natalia Mitin
Taking a self-ordered cholesterol test back to her cardiologist
When her cardiologist would not order the cholesterol test she wanted, Natalia used empowerDX to obtain it herself. She took the results back to the doctor and reported that a different cholesterol medicine worked better for her than the previous treatment.
x.comGreg Pixley
Checking occupational exposure
After 37 years in firefighting, Greg tested his PFAS exposure and advocated testing for colleagues.
cbsnews.comJulie Watts
Comparing exposure across generations
Julie and her daughter’s PFAS tests showed different exposure patterns, with both below the national average.
cbsnews.comThings to know
- Refunds depend on shipment and timing.
Unshipped orders can be refunded in full; requests within 30 days after purchase have a processing deduction. Released results are nonrefundable.
- Physician authorization is included.
Physician authorization is included in the test purchase.
- Anonymous testing records can be used for research.
The policy permits anonymous testing records for research and analysis, plus necessary laboratory and service processing.
- Activate the kit before collecting your sample.
Activate, collect and mail according to the kit instructions; use the kit before its printed expiry date.
Alternatives
23andMe · Premium Ancestry + Health
Offers broader ancestry and selected health reports instead of one focused APOE or MTHFR test.
$208.99
Nucleus Genomics · Health + Preview
Adds whole-genome inherited-condition, carrier and risk reports rather than a focused inherited-variant result.
$538
tellmeGen · Advanced DNA Kit
Offers broader selected-variant health and ancestry reports rather than empowerDX’s focused gene test.
$159.99
Sequencing.com · Comprehensive Health
Provides whole-genome files and broad report tools rather than a focused gene result; Mental Vitality’s blood measurements are a different service.
$599FAQs
Does the MTHFR test measure my folate level?
The MTHFR genetic test reads selected inherited variants. Mental Vitality is a separate purchase that also adds finger-prick blood measurements.