Darwin Methodology

The test prioritizes clinical value over raw data volume. 3x4 excludes SNPs that fail Darwin even when they appear in competitor panels. A SNP is excluded if any of the four clinical utility criteria cannot be answered. At launch, 113 SNPs were selected from a starting pool of 1,400 scientifically valid SNPs. Scientific validity is necessary for Darwin consideration but does not by itself qualify a SNP for inclusion. Darwin applies the ACCE model across eight criteria in scientific validity and clinical utility domains. Scientific validity criteria include publication quality and quantity, replication, consistency between in vivo and in vitro data, and other rigor markers. Darwin is a proprietary scoring method used by 3x4 Genetics to conservatively decide which SNPs enter the report. Darwin prioritizes clinical utility, including biological effect, biomarker links, phenotype links, and available interventions.