How My46 Works

My46 lets you manage genetic test results online - privately, securely, and at your convenience. The first step to get results is to link the person tested to your account. After entering this information, you will be asked to set your “Results Preferences” to indicate whether you want to receive a test result. Depending on how many results are available, you may be asked to set your preferences for one or more results.


After setting your result(s) preferences, you will be able to access your result(s) using your “Results Navigator.” For each selected result, you will find a short summary of the trait (i.e., condition, disease) associated with each result--called a “trait profile.” When a result is available, you will see both a “result summary” and a “result report.” The “summary” provides information about a result in family-friendly language whereas the “report” provides information that might be more useful to your healthcare provider.


After linking the person tested to your account, each time you log in, you will be directed to the “Welcome Back” page. If you want to set or change your preferences, click on the "Set Preferences" button. If you want to view your result(s), click on the "View Results" button. You can move back and forth between setting results preferences on your “Results Preferences” page and reviewing results on your “Results Navigator” page by clicking on the large pink button in the sidebar.


Result summaries and result reports are only available when a result is ready for return.


While trait profiles on your “Results Navigator” page are only visible for results you have selected to recieve, you may access all the trait profiles available in My46 by clicking on the “Learning Center.”


You can return to the “Results Navigator” page at any time by clicking on “Manage My Genome.”


Try the My46 demo now by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question or need help with the My46 website?

  • View our Frequently Asked Questions below and see if an answer to your question is here.
  • Contact Us. A member of the team will email you within 48 hours.
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The My46 Website
  1. What is the purpose of the My46 website?  

    My46 lets you manage your or your child’s genetic test results online - privately, securely, and at your convenience.

  2. Can you change you mind about what results to receive?  

    Yes. Changes can be made any time before results are received. After receiving results, you can change your preferences to receive more result types, but not fewer.

Genetic Results
  1. Will the genetic results tell you everything about your disease risk?  

    No. Other factors such as lifestyle choices (for example, exercise or tobacco use) also affect a person’s risk for health problems or diseases. In most cases, genetics is only one part of the overall picture.

  2. Where can you get help understanding the genetic results?  

    You can contact the My46 genetic counselor at any time.

  3. What is a genetic counselor?  

    Genetic counselors have specialized training in the areas of medical genetics and counseling. They talk with people who have genetic disorders in their family. For more information, visit the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

  4. What do genetic counselors do?  

    Genetic counselors can help people make informed decisions about genetic information. They can also explain genetic results and answer questions people may have about genetics. Genetic counselors:

    • Identify potential genetic health risks.
    • Educate about genetic conditions and inheritance patterns
    • Explain genetic testing options.
    • Provide resources and support.
  5. How do you know when the results are ready?  

    If you choose to see some or all of the genetic results, you will be sent an email notice when results are ready.

  6. How will you receive the genetic results?  

    You will be able to view results on the My46 website.

  7. What does a genetic research result look like?  

    Click here to view a sample genetic result.

  8. What happens when there are new scientific discoveries related to the results that you have received?  

    Scientists continue to discover more about human genes and health. You will be contacted if new information is discovered related to the results that you have selected to receive. In general, results will be returned only if they might have a negative effect on health.

Security of Your Genetic Information
  1. What efforts have been made to keep the genetic information secure and private?  

    My46 is hosted by the Institute of Translational Health Sciences Biomedical Informatics Core (ITHS BMI) at the University of Washington. It meets the technical requirements for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance and follows UW Medicine Information Security Policies for servers containing protected health information (PHI).

    My46 has security features to keep participant data secure, such as differentiated user roles and privileges, user authentication and authorization security, SSL encryption, and comprehensive auditing to record and monitor access and data changes. Each My46 team member uses a unique, secure login that will allow access to the My46 system.

  2. What laws protect you from genetic discrimination?  

    Some people worry that their genetic information might be used against them at work or in regard to health insurance. A 2008 law called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) protects against discrimination based on genetic information in relation to your job and health insurance coverage. This law does not apply to life insurance or disability insurance. Many states have laws that prohibit or limit genetic discrimination

Technical Issues
  1. What do I do if I forgot my username?  

    Send an email to my46info@uw.edu and a research coordinator will look up your username for you. Be prepared to provide information that verifies your identity.

  2. What do I do if I forgot or want to change my password?  

    If you have forgotten your username or password, click on "forgot your username" or "forgot your password" on the Secure Login page.

  3. What happens if I change my email address? Will this affect my My46 account?  

    You may change your email address in the Edit Account Info tab within the Manage My Account page.

  4. What web browser can I use with the My46 site?  

    The My46 website works well with Internet Explorer versions 9 and later and the current versions of Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. The site may not function properly with older versions of these browsers or with other, less common browsers. If you are having technical difficulties, please make sure you are using one of the browsers listed above. To find out what browser you are using, see http://www.whatbrowser.org/en/

  5. How do I download a current browser?  

    Go to one of these websites and follow the instructions to download the browser.

  6. How do I sign out after I visit My46?  

    Click the sign out button on the top right corner of the website and completely exit your browser. See “How to log out” for instructions on how to exit your browser.

  7. Do I need to close my browser window after I sign out of My46?  

    Yes, the best way to protect your private information is to completely close your browser.

  8. Can I use My46 on a public computer, such as at a library?  

    Yes, although the best way to protect your genetic information is to use My46 on a private computer in a private location. If you do use a public computer, it is especially important that you click the sign out button on the top right corner of the website and completely exit your browser when you are done. See “How to log out” for instructions on how to exit your browser.

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My46 is an innovative web-based tool that enables individuals to manage their own genetic testing results.

Your genome is your entire genetic code or all of the DNA in a cell.

What My46 Means

Most human cells have 46 chromosomes that provide the genetic instructions for a body to live, grow, and develop.

Your Session Is About to Expire

To keep your account secure, your My46 session expires after one hour of inactivity. If you are still using the site, click below to extend your session.