Common questions
What is Nucleus?
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Nucleus offers a complete family planning experience, from preconception genetic testing to advanced embryo analysis and IVF care. We help you understand your own genetics and the genetic factors that may be relevant to future children, so you can plan with more clarity and confidence.
Where should I start?
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It depends where you are in your journey.
If you’re interested in understanding your own health, Nucleus Health is a comprehensive genetic test that evaluates the probability of genetic risk across more than 2,000 conditions. These insights give you a clearer picture of your health today, and help you start more informed conversations with your doctor and other medical experts about any next steps.
If you’re just starting to think about having a child, Nucleus Preview is a simple first step and where Nucleus’ family planning services begin. It helps you and your partner understand what you might pass on, before conception.
If you’re already going through IVF, Nucleus Embryo gives you additional insights about your embryos to help inform decisions. It’s easily integrated into any existing IVF care.
If you’re planning to do IVF and want a more supported experience, Nucleus IVF+ brings everything together in one seamless path, from clinic matching through to advanced genetic analysis and pregnancy.
Not sure where to begin? We’re always here to help you figure it out. Reach out to our concierge team anytime - concierge@mynucleus.com.
How should I use this information?
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Our genetic insights are here to give you more information, not to tell you what to do.
With Health, results typically help people make more informed lifestyle decisions, understand what to watch out for over time, and serve as a starting point for conversations with their doctor about any appropriate next steps.
With Preview, many people use their results to plan ahead for children, understand their own potential health risks, and have more informed conversations with their doctor. Some go on to conceive naturally, just with more clarity, while others explore IVF if it feels right for them.
For Embryo, the insights are used by the parents to compare embryos and make their own decisions during IVF alongside their care team.
How do I get my results?
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Your results are delivered in your Nucleus account through clear, easy-to-understand reports.
You can access them anytime, and if you have questions, a genetic counselor is available to talk everything through with you.
How accurate are Nucleus’ results?
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Nucleus’ whole-genome DNA analysis is more than 99.9% accurate. As a clinical-grade test, we’ve held to the highest standards to ensure the quality of your DNA analysis.
That said, it’s important to understand how different types of genetic results work.
Some conditions are caused by a single gene. In those cases, results can be highly definitive, showing whether a specific variant is present or not.
But most health conditions, like cancer risk and heart disease, are influenced by many genes working together. These results are probabilistic, not certain. They reflect likelihood, not guarantees.
That’s not a limitation of Nucleus — it’s how genetics works. Environment, lifestyle, and chance also play a role. Nucleus helps you understand risk and possibilities, so you can make more informed decisions.
Why did my Nucleus results change?
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While your DNA doesn’t change, how we analyze it can and does change your results. With more data and improved methods, your genetic insights will update over time to reflect the latest science. Our goal is to ensure your results always represent the most accurate picture of what’s known today.
Some conditions are driven by a single gene, where results are clear and unchanging. Others, like most common diseases, are shaped by many genes working together. These insights are estimates of likelihood, not definitive predictions—and may evolve as the science improves.
Like a weather forecast, your results become more precise as more information and better models become available. Earlier results weren’t wrong, just less refined.
Do I need to be doing IVF to do Nucleus?
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Not at all. Nucleus is designed for many different paths to parenthood, as well as individual health insights.
If you’re still early in your journey, we recommend starting with Nucleus Preview. It gives couples (and individuals) insight into what could be passed on to your future child, so you have more information, whatever path you take.
And if you simply want to learn more about your own health, Nucleus Health provides information about genetic risk across 2,000+ conditions, helping support more informed conversations with healthcare providers about potential preventative care and lifestyle choices.
How much does Nucleus cost?
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Email concierge@mynucleus.com or book a call at mynucleus.com/consult for pricing.
Will someone help me understand my results?
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Yes. You’ll have access to genetic counselors who can walk you through your results and help you understand what they mean for you.
Before pregnancy
What is Nucleus Preview?
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Nucleus Preview is an advanced preconception genetic test, designed for couples. Through a simple cheek swab, it evaluates genetic conditions that may be passed on to future children, including cancers, heart disease, diabetes, sickle cell, and endometriosis.
It provides a broader view than traditional genetic tests, helping you and your care team understand and plan earlier with more information.
What genetic insights will Preview give me?
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Preview helps you understand what potential genetic conditions are relevant to your future child, including:
Rare inherited conditions, like cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
The probability of risk for common conditions, like heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease
You’ll also receive insights into your own health.
How is Preview different from what's offered in clinics?
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Preview gives you a deeper look into what genetic conditions you should discuss with your doctor, evaluating 2,000+ disease risks. It’s directly available to prospective parents, but it’s also a clinical-grade genetic test that’s already used in many IVF clinics too.
Most traditional preconception genetic tests (often called carrier screening) focus on a defined set of serious single-gene conditions and diseases that both parents are carriers for. That matters, but it doesn’t reflect the full range of questions many parents have today. Many significant conditions like hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and Lynch syndrome have a 50% chance of being passed on, even if only one parent has it.
Preview includes that rare disease screening focused on both partners and expands beyond it.
It estimates likelihood for common health risks that either parent could be a carrier for like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
How can Preview tell me about things like diabetes or cancer?
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Preview looks at your DNA to understand genetic patterns linked to common conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and many cancers.
Unlike rare diseases that are caused by a single gene, most common health conditions are influenced by many genes working together. So instead of searching for one rare mutation, Preview looks at lots of small genetic factors that, together, shape likelihood.
Do I need a partner to do Preview?
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It helps, but you don’t have to. You can do Preview on your own to understand what you might pass on. If a partner tests too (even later on), you can easily pair your results and see the combined genetic picture, which is the most complete view.
Do I have to be doing IVF to do Preview?
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Not at all. Many couples do Preview as their first step in family planning, whether IVF is already in the cards for them, or they’re hoping to conceive naturally. The goal is to get more information at the earliest point, so you can take steps to reduce risk and make decisions that support your future child’s long-term health.
Is Preview available to order internationally?
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Shipping is available for certain Nucleus products to India, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates.
During IVF
What is Nucleus Embryo?
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Nucleus Embryo is a more thoughtful way to understand your embryos so when it’s time to choose, you can do so with greater clarity and confidence in the information available to you.
If you’re going through IVF or already have embryos, it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your existing care.
It happens in two steps. First, both parents take Nucleus Preview, a preconception genetic test that looks at 2,000+ conditions that could be passed on. Then, your embryos are analyzed using that information.
You’ll see insights into rare genetic conditions like cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), as well as probabilistic estimates of genetic risk for conditions such as heart disease and cancer.
Note: if you or your partner are carriers of a specific condition, you can also choose additional embryo testing for that condition. This is known as PGT-M.
Can I do Nucleus Embryo with my current IVF clinic?
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Absolutely. Nucleus Embryo is designed to be integrated directly into your existing IVF care.
Getting started is simple. You can let your doctor know you’re interested in Nucleus, and we’ll coordinate directly with your clinic. Or, if you’re not sure where to begin, you can reach out to us at concierge@mynucleus.com and we’ll guide you through it.
How is Nucleus Embryo different from standard embryo testing?
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Standard embryo testing typically looks for a small number of serious inherited conditions, like cystic fibrosis, Tay-Sachs, and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Nucleus Embryo goes further, combining advanced preconception testing with embryo analysis to give you a more complete picture of your embryos, earlier in the process.
That means you can see insights across a wider range of genetic predictions, including rare conditions and long-term health risks.
IVF is a big investment. Emotionally, physically, and financially. It’s a meaningful decision, and you deserve more than the minimum amount of information.
What’s included in the Nucleus Embryo package?
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Nucleus Embryo includes everything you need to understand your embryos with more clarity:
Nucleus Preview for both parents
A preconception genetic test that looks at 2,000+ conditions that could be passed onDetailed analysis of up to 20 embryos
Giving you a deeper view into each embryo’s genetic profileSimple, easy-to-understand reports
Your results are delivered in a clear, intuitive format for both Preview and EmbryoAccess to genetic counselorsOur counselors work alongside you and your IVF care team to help you understand your results and what they mean for your decisions
Can I use Nucleus Embryo with a donor?
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In most cases, yes. Nucleus Embryo can often be used if you’re working with an egg or sperm donor, depending on the lab and what testing has already been completed.
We’re typically able to run Nucleus Preview using the donor’s genetic information, while keeping their identity private, along with testing for the intended parent where applicable. This allows us to analyze your embryos and provide the same level of insight.
Because every situation is a little different, we’ll work closely with you and your clinic to help determine what’s possible.
How many embryos can be analyzed?
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Nucleus Embryo includes analysis of up to 20 embryos.
Does Nucleus Embryo include standard testing, like PGT-M?
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If you or your partner are carriers of a specific inherited condition, you can choose to add targeted testing for that condition (commonly called PGT-M) alongside your Nucleus Embryo analysis.
Can I trust this?
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Yes, Nucleus is built on validated, peer-reviewed research and the latest advances in genetic science. It’s already being used in IVF clinics across the U.S. and globally.
You get all the information, including where predictions are strongest and where they’re continuing to improve, in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.
The full experience
What is Nucleus IVF+?
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Nucleus IVF+ is a more complete IVF experience, designed for parents who want to feel informed and supported at every step.
It combines Nucleus’ advanced genetic analysis with dedicated, hands-on guidance, helping you navigate the entire process from clinic matching to pregnancy.
How does Nucleus IVF+ work?
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We know going through IVF can feel complex and overwhelming. Nucleus IVF+ is designed to make the process more seamless, with guidance and support at every step.
If you’re considering IVF, you can start with a conversation with our team. We’ll help match you with one of our partner clinics and stay closely involved throughout your journey — from your first consultation through to choosing an embryo.
Along the way, you’ll have access to:
Nucleus Preview
Our advanced preconception genetic test that analyzes 2,000+ conditions in both parentsNucleus Embryo
Advanced embryo analysis that gives you a more complete picture, from rare conditions to lifelong health risksDedicated, ongoing support
Access to genetic counselors and our team whenever you need it, to help you understand your results and talk through your options
We’re here to make IVF feel more understandable, more supported, and more in your control.
What’s included?
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Nucleus IVF+ is designed to support you through every stage of IVF so you’re never navigating it alone.
What’s included:
Your IVF care, all in one place
We connect you with trusted clinics and coordinate your care, from procedures to lab work, so everything feels seamless.Support finding a donor, if needed
If donor selection is part of your journey, we’ll help guide you through it with clarity.Understanding what you carry and what it could mean for your child
Nucleus Preview looks at your genetics before IVF begins, and Nucleus Embryo gives you additional information about your embryos to help inform decisions during IVF.Guidance, every step of the way
You’ll have ongoing access to genetic counselors to answer questions and help you make informed decisions.
*Depending on the clinic and location.
How is IVF+ different from standard IVF care?
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First, more advanced analysis. You get a deeper, earlier understanding of each parent and ultimately, each embryo. From rare conditions to lifelong health, you’re choosing with the most amount of information available today.
Second, a more seamless experience. Instead of navigating multiple clinics, tests, and conversations on your own, everything is brought together into one coordinated journey, with a single team guiding you every step of the way.
And third, access to leading clinic partners. We connect you with a curated network of top IVF clinics, so you can feel confident you’re getting the highest standard of care from the start.
Who is Nucleus IVF+ for?
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Nucleus IVF+ isn’t just for those who know they need IVF. It’s for any parent who wants to make the most informed decision for their future family, and have more clarity and control throughout the process.
What’s the difference between IVF+ and Nucleus Embryo?
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Nucleus Embryo can be added into any existing IVF care, focused on one part of the IVF process: helping you understand and compare your embryos with your doctor.
Nucleus IVF+ is the full experience, including Embryo. It’s a Nucleus-led IVF journey, delivered through a carefully curated network of clinic partners, with support from our team at every step.
Can I use IVF+ with a donor?
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Yes. IVF+ supports a range of paths to parenthood, including working with egg or sperm donors—whether known or anonymous.
Trust, science and support
How do you screen my DNA?
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We use a method called whole-genome sequencing to read your DNA and look for genetic differences that can influence your health, and what you may pass on to a future child.
We look at two main types of genetic variants:
High-impact variants: These are rare, but can directly cause certain conditions like cystic fibrosis or spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).
Common variants: On their own, these variants usually don’t mean much but together, they can influence your probabilistic risk for certain diseases.
To understand that combined effect, we use advanced models (often called polygenic or common genetic scores) that bring many small signals together into a clearer picture.
By analyzing both types, we’re able to give you a more complete view of your health and what it could mean for your future family.
How do you screen my embryo DNA?
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Nucleus Embryo builds on information from both you and your embryos to give a more complete picture.
First, both parents take Nucleus Preview. This analyzes your DNA to identify any conditions your child could be at risk for. If a specific risk is found, you can speak with a genetic counselor about whether targeted embryo testing (PGT-M) is right for you.
Then, we analyze your embryos using their DNA data. We look at millions of genetic variants to understand potential health risks.
On their own, each of these common variants don’t mean much but together, they can shape things like disease risk. We bring these signals together using advanced models (often called polygenic scores) to give you a clearer, more complete view of your embryos’ risks.
The result is a deeper understanding of each embryo so you can make decisions with more clarity and confidence.
How do you screen for common conditions like cancer and diabetes?
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Unlike rare diseases caused by a single gene, most common conditions, like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, are influenced by many genes working together.
Given we’re not looking for one specific mutation, we analyze many small genetic differences across your DNA. On their own, each one has a tiny effect but together, they can meaningfully influence risk.
We combine these signals using advanced models called common or polygenic risk scores to give you a clearer picture of your likelihood for certain conditions.
Can I trust this?
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Yes. Nucleus is grounded in validated, peer-reviewed research and built using the latest genetic technology. It’s already used in IVF clinics across India, the U.S. and globally, having served thousands of patients to date.
Just as importantly, we focus on making everything clear and easy to understand so you’re never left guessing.
Data & Privacy
How secure and private is Nucleus?
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Your genetic data is deeply personal and we treat it that way.
Nucleus meets the same security and privacy standards trusted by leading healthcare organizations. We are SOC 2 Type II compliant, HIPAA-compliant, and operate through CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited labs. In plain terms: our systems and processes are independently verified to meet rigorous standards for security, privacy, and quality.
Here’s what that means in practice:
Your data is encrypted at every step, both in transit and at rest
Access is tightly controlled and monitored, so only authorized experts can view it when needed for your care
Physical DNA samples are securely destroyed within 60 days of receipt
You also stay in control of your data:
You own your DNA data and can download it at any time
We do not sell or share your genetic data with third parties, unless you explicitly ask us to or it’s legally required
Our goal is simple: to give you meaningful genetic insights while keeping your data private, secure, and fully under your control.
You can learn more at trust.mynucleus.com
Is Nucleus regulated?
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Yes. Nucleus operates under strict clinical standards for genetic testing. We’re HIPAA-compliant, CLIA-certified, and CAP-accredited, meaning we follow rigorous guidelines for accuracy, quality, and the protection of your personal health information.
You can learn more at trust.mynucleus.com
Membership
Why is there a membership fee?
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Genetic research is constantly evolving. Your membership ensures your results stay up to date, with new insights as science improves.
What’s included with my membership?
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Your membership includes access to all Nucleus reports now and in the future, including important updates and newly added diseases as our science evolves.
Still have questions? Reach out to us — we're happy to help.
