There are now two ways to participate in the Genetic Insights Project: A blood draw in a lab or a new at-home saliva kit.

The Genetic Insights Project is a community health research study aimed at understanding how DNA impacts health. The study screens for conditions like:

  • Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Lynch syndrome, the most common cause of hereditary colon cancer.
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia (very high cholesterol).

About one in 75 people has a higher genetic risk for at least one of these serious conditions. With the new screening options, more people can learn about their health risks.

“Our new at-home saliva kit makes it easier for everyone to join this research study. There is no need to travel, no needles required and you can complete it on your own time,” says Douglas Stoller, MD, PhD, a Nebraska Medicine cardiologist and the study’s lead researcher. 

How it works

Once enrolled, participants can choose to provide a saliva or blood sample.

  • Saliva sample: A kit is delivered to your home with simple instructions. Just complete the test and return it by mail. You’ll receive your results about eight to 12 weeks later.
  • Blood draw: Schedule an appointment at a Nebraska Medicine lab.

A community-wide effort

The Genetic Insights Project aims to enroll 100,000 people over the next four years. This would make it Nebraska’s largest health research study. The data gathered will help researchers understand how DNA affects health for the whole community.

The Genetic Insights Project has partnered with Helix, a leading population genomics company. The research study is open to adults ages 19 and up who have not received a bone marrow or stem cell transplant from a donor. There is no cost to participate.

Informed health decisions

Finding out about genetic risks can provide helpful information. It could help you learn how to prevent disease and give you a chance to benefit from new treatments as they develop.

The new at-home saliva kit makes it easier than ever to join this important research study, helping Nebraska Medicine better understand and treat health issues across the state.

The principal investigator of this study is Douglas Stoller, MD, PhD. Genetic Insights Project, IRB #0645-23-CB. University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982265 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198