Frequently Asked Questions
About Sema4
Privacy and Security
Your Sema4 Account
- Which tests does the Sema4 online account support?
- Why should I create a Sema4 account?
- The link in my email is not working
- I’m unable to proceed past the identity validation step.
- I see an error message when I try to verify my email address, reset my password, or sign into my account.
- I forgot my password. How do I reset it?
My Health by Sema4
Pregnancy Journey
Understanding Genetics
- What is DNA?
- What is a chromosome?
- What are genes and gene variants?
- How are genetic diseases inherited?
- What is an autosomal recessive condition?
- What is an X-linked condition?
Carrier Screening
- What is carrier screening?
- Why do I need carrier screening?
- What does it mean to be a carrier of a genetic condition?
- What does a positive or negative carrier screening result mean?
- If I am a carrier, what is the risk that my children will inherit the condition?
- What are my reproductive options if I am a carrier?
CarrierCheck™
- What is the difference between CarrierCheck and the Expanded Carrier Screen?
- Who do I contact if I have questions about CarrierCheck?
- What is Helix?
- What is PWN?
- What genetic conditions does CarrierCheck screen for?
- Why does a doctor need to approve my order?
Expanded Carrier Screen
- What is the difference between the Expanded Carrier Screen and CarrierCheck™?
- How is the Sema4 Expanded Carrier Screen different than other genetic tests?
- I think I had genetic testing in the past. Do I still need to take this test?
- Why does my healthcare provider need to order this test?
- My partner and I both want to have a carrier screen. Do we need to be tested at the same time?
- How much blood do you need to do all of this testing?
Noninvasive Prenatal Select
- What is NIPT?
- Who can have this testing?
- What is a chromosomal abnormality?
- What is a microdeletion?
- What tests can detect chromosomal abnormalities?
- What does Sema4 Noninvasive Prenatal Select screen for?
Sema4 Natalis™
- What is newborn screening?
- How does Natalis differ from state newborn screening?
- How is Natalis different from carrier screening or prenatal tests?
- How does Natalis work?
- What does Natalis screen for?
- What is the chance that my child will screen positive for a genetic condition with Sema4 Natalis?
Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer
- What is hereditary cancer?
- How often is cancer inherited?
- Why should I consider genetic testing for hereditary cancer?
- I have cancer (or had cancer before). Should I still be tested?
- Will I be discriminated against if I test positive for hereditary cancer genes?
- What if my family members would also like to be tested for hereditary cancer?
Clinical Billing and Insurance
- Who should I speak to if I have a question about billing or insurance?
- Do you take my insurance?
- My insurance company is in-network with Sema4. What will be covered?
- I received a text message asking if I would like to discuss my insurance benefits, insurance coverage, and payment options. What are the next steps?
- How do I pay my bill?
- Can I pay for testing myself instead of having it billed through my insurance company?
COVID-19 Molecular Testing
- What is COVID-19 Molecular Testing?
- How can I get tested for COVID?
- How long will it take to get my results?
- What does it mean to get a “Detected” result?
- What does it mean to get a “Not Detected” result?
- I was told that my test was not able to be completed - what does that mean and what should I do?
Sema4 COVID-19 Employer Program
- What is the Sema4 Employer COVID-19 Testing Program?
- How do I get tested?
- How often should I get tested?
- My employer said they would ship sample collection kits to my address - what should I do?
- Who is able to view my COVID test results?
- I’ve taken other non-COVID Sema4 tests - will my employer be able to see those tests and results?
Ancestry Results
- What information will be in this report?
- How is this estimate calculated?
- Why does Sema4 have this information?
- How does this ancestry test differ from other ancestry tests?
- How does Sema4 use my information?
- Do I need to pay for my ancestry report separately?