What Myriad Genetics does

Myriad Genetics is a private laboratory company that performs genetic testing for inherited disease risk, cancer predisposition, and pharmacogenomics (how your genes affect medication response). The company does not sell tests directly to consumers in most cases — instead, your doctor orders a Myriad test, you provide a sample (usually saliva or blood), and Myriad analyzes your DNA in their lab and sends results back to your doctor.

Myriad is one of the largest genetic testing companies in the United States. They operate multiple labs and offer hundreds of different tests. Some of their most widely known tests screen for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, which increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. They also offer tests for hereditary colon cancer risk, heart disease risk, medication metabolism, and other conditions.

The company's business model depends on insurance coverage. Most Myriad tests are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance when ordered by a doctor for a medical reason. If insurance does not cover your test, Myriad offers a cash price, which varies by test but typically ranges from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Key Takeaways

  • Myriad tests must be ordered by a doctor or genetic counselor — you cannot order most tests on your own, though some direct-to-consumer options exist through third-party platforms.
  • Your insurance may cover the test if your doctor documents a medical reason, such as family history of cancer or a personal diagnosis.
  • Myriad will contact you about cost before the test is performed, and you can ask about cash prices or financial information programs if you are uninsured.
  • Test results go to your doctor first, not directly to you, and your doctor or a genetic counselor should explain what the results mean for your health.
  • Myriad stores your genetic data and may use it for research purposes unless you opt out, which you can do at any time.

How to order a Myriad test through your doctor

Start by talking to your primary care doctor or a specialist about whether genetic testing makes sense for you. Bring information about your family medical history — cancers, heart disease, early deaths, or genetic conditions that run in your family. Your doctor will decide whether testing is medically justified and, if so, which Myriad test to order.

Your doctor's office will submit the test order to Myriad. Myriad will then contact you to confirm your insurance information, explain the test, and discuss cost. At this point, you will receive a kit to collect your sample at home or instructions to visit a lab. You return the sample to Myriad, and the lab processes it.

The time from sample receipt to results typically ranges from one to three weeks, though some tests take longer. Myriad will notify your doctor when results are ready. Your doctor will then schedule a time to discuss the results with you — this is an important step, because genetic test results can be complex and may require explanation.

Understanding Myriad test results

Myriad reports results in three categories: positive (a disease-causing mutation was found), negative (no mutation was found), or variant of uncertain significance (a change was found but scientists do not yet know whether it causes disease). A positive result does not mean you will definitely develop the disease — it means your risk is higher than average and you may want to take preventive steps or increase screening.

Your doctor or a genetic counselor should explain what your specific result means. For example, a positive BRCA1 result means you have a significantly higher lifetime risk of breast cancer, but it does not may provide you will get cancer. A negative result usually means your risk is closer to the general population risk, though it does not rule out disease entirely.

If you receive a variant of uncertain significance, Myriad may update your result later as more research becomes available. The company will contact your doctor if new information changes the interpretation of your result.

Insurance coverage and cost

Most insurance plans cover Myriad tests when a doctor orders them for a documented medical reason. Medicare covers many Myriad tests, as do most Medicaid programs, though coverage rules vary by state. Private insurance coverage depends on your specific plan and the test ordered.

Myriad will check your insurance before you provide a sample. If your insurance denies coverage, Myriad will tell you the out-of-pocket cost. Cash prices for Myriad tests range widely — some tests cost $500 to $1,000, while others cost $3,000 or more. If you cannot afford the full price, ask Myriad about their financial information program, which may reduce your cost based on household income.

If you are uninsured, contact Myriad directly to discuss payment options before you order the test. Do not assume you cannot afford testing — the company has programs designed to help uninsured patients.

What happens to your genetic data

When you submit a sample to Myriad, your genetic information is stored in their database. Myriad uses this data for research purposes — they may study your results alongside results from other patients to better understand genetic diseases and improve their tests. Your data may also be used to develop new tests or to validate existing ones.

You have the right to opt out of research use. When you receive your results, you can contact Myriad and request that your sample and data not be used for research. You can also opt out at any time in the future. Opting out does not affect your test results or your ability to use Myriad's services.

Myriad is required by law to protect your genetic privacy. Your results are kept confidential and are not shared with employers, insurers, or other third parties without your permission, with limited exceptions for law enforcement with a court order.

Direct-to-consumer Myriad testing options

Myriad does not typically sell tests directly to consumers the way some other genetic testing companies do. However, you may be able to order certain Myriad tests through third-party platforms or wellness programs offered by your employer or insurance plan. These options usually still require some form of medical review — either by a doctor affiliated with the platform or by a genetic counselor who reviews your information before the test is processed.

If you are considering a direct-to-consumer route, confirm that a may have access to healthcare provider will review your results with you. Genetic test results should not be interpreted on your own, because the medical implications can be serious and sometimes unclear.

Common questions about Myriad testing

Many people wonder whether Myriad testing is accurate. Myriad's tests are validated and widely used in clinical practice, but no genetic test is 100 percent accurate. A negative result does not rule out disease risk entirely, and a positive result does not may provide disease will develop. Your doctor can discuss the accuracy and limitations of your specific test.

Another common concern is privacy. Your genetic data is protected by federal law, including the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which prohibits health insurers and employers from using genetic information to deny coverage or employment. However, GINA does not cover life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance, so genetic results could theoretically affect those policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a Myriad test without a doctor's order?

Most Myriad tests require a doctor's order, but some may be available through direct-to-consumer platforms or employer wellness programs. Even in those cases, a healthcare provider typically reviews your information before testing proceeds. Contact Myriad directly to ask about options if your doctor has not ordered a test.

How long does it take to get Myriad test results?

Results typically arrive within one to three weeks of Myriad receiving your sample, though some specialized tests take longer. Myriad will notify your doctor when results are ready, and your doctor will schedule a time to discuss them with you.

What if my insurance denies coverage for a Myriad test?

Myriad will inform you of the out-of-pocket cost if insurance denies coverage. You can then decide whether to pay out of pocket, ask your doctor to appeal the denial, or explore whether a different test might be covered. Myriad also offers financial information based on income.

Will my employer or insurance company find out about my Myriad test results?

Your genetic results are confidential and protected by law. Your health insurance company will know you had the test (because they may have paid for it), but they cannot use genetic information to deny coverage under GINA. Your employer cannot access your results unless you share them. Life insurance and disability insurance are not covered by GINA, so results could theoretically affect those policies.

What does a "variant of uncertain significance" mean?

It means Myriad found a genetic change that scientists do not yet fully understand. It may or may not cause disease. Your doctor can discuss what this means for your specific situation, and Myriad may update your result if new research clarifies the variant's significance.