Short definitions of the terms used across this glossary. Terms with a fuller
explanation link to their own page.
- ADV (adenovirus)
- A common group of viruses that can cause respiratory illness, eye infections and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Allergen
- A substance that can trigger an allergic reaction in someone who is sensitised to it.
- Allergy
- An immune system reaction to a substance that is harmless to most people.
- Antigen
- A molecule the immune system can recognise, such as a protein on the surface of a virus. Rapid antigen tests are designed to detect these.
- Biological father
- The man whose DNA a child inherited, as distinct from a legal or social father.
- Buccal swab
- A sample collected by rubbing a swab against the inside of the cheek to gather cells for DNA analysis.
- Cancer screening
- Testing people who have no symptoms, to identify those who may benefit from further investigation.
- Cellular energy
- The chemical energy that cells produce and use to carry out their functions.
- Chain of custody
- A documented record of everyone who handled a sample, used when a result may be needed for legal purposes.
- Coenzyme
- A helper molecule that an enzyme needs in order to do its job.
- Collagen
- A structural protein that gives skin and connective tissue their firmness.
- Colonoscopy
- A procedure in which a camera on a flexible tube is used to examine the lining of the colon.
- Colorectal cancer
- Cancer that develops in the colon or the rectum.
- COVID-19
- The illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
- DNA
- Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule carrying the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of living organisms.
- DNA marker
- A known location in the DNA sequence used to compare samples, for example in paternity testing.
- DNA methylation
- A chemical change to DNA that can affect whether a gene is switched on or off, without altering the DNA sequence itself.
- DNA profile
- The pattern of results produced when a set of DNA markers is analysed for one person.
- Endurance
- The ability to sustain physical activity over an extended period.
- Environmental allergen
- An allergen encountered in the surroundings, such as pollen, dust mites or animal dander.
- False negative
- A negative test result in someone who does in fact have the condition being tested for.
- Fertile window
- The days of the menstrual cycle when conception is most likely.
- Fertility
- The ability to conceive a child.
- Food allergy
- An immune system reaction to a specific food, which can range from mild to severe.
- Food intolerance
- Difficulty digesting a particular food. It does not involve the immune system in the way an allergy does.
- Gene
- A section of DNA carrying the instructions for a particular characteristic or function.
- Genetic predisposition
- An increased likelihood of a trait or condition based on genetic variation. It is not a certainty that it will occur.
- Genetic trait
- A characteristic influenced, wholly or partly, by genetic variation.
- Genotype
- The specific genetic makeup a person carries at a given position in their DNA.
- Influenza
- A respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, commonly called flu.
- Influenza A
- One of the influenza virus types that causes seasonal flu in people.
- Influenza B
- Another influenza virus type that causes seasonal flu in people.
- Menstrual cycle
- The monthly hormonal cycle that prepares the body for the possibility of pregnancy.
- Metabolism
- The chemical processes by which the body converts food into energy and building blocks.
- NAD+
- The oxidised form of NAD.
- Nasal swab
- A sample collected from inside the nose, used by many rapid respiratory tests.
- Nutrient
- A substance in food that the body uses for energy, growth and maintenance.
- Ovulation
- The release of an egg from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.
- Oxidative stress
- An imbalance between reactive molecules and the body’s ability to neutralise them, associated with cell damage over time.
- Phenotype
- The observable characteristics that result from genotype together with environment and lifestyle.
- Probability of paternity
- A statistical value reported by a paternity test, expressing how strongly the results support a biological relationship.
- Rapid antigen test
- A test that detects antigens and gives a result within minutes, usually without laboratory equipment.
- RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)
- A common virus causing respiratory infections, which can be more serious in infants and older adults.
- Saliva sample
- A sample of saliva collected for laboratory analysis. The IDEAL DNA tests use one.
- SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2)
- The coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
- Self-sampling
- Collecting your own sample at home rather than having it collected by a clinician.
- Sensitivity
- How well a test identifies people who do have the condition being tested for.
- Skin ageing
- The changes in skin structure and appearance that occur over time, influenced by genetics, sun exposure and lifestyle.
- Specificity
- How well a test correctly identifies people who do not have the condition being tested for.
- Stool DNA test
- A test that analyses DNA from cells shed into stool, to look for changes associated with colorectal conditions.
- Wellness testing
- Testing intended to give general lifestyle and wellbeing insights rather than to diagnose disease.
