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 your future child’s, 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 just starting to think about having a child, Nucleus Preview is a simple first step. It helps you understand your own health and what you might pass on, before conception.
If you’re already going through IVF, Nucleus Embryo gives you a clearer picture of your embryos so you can choose with more confidence. 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 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.
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’re 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 and traits, like cancer risk, heart disease, or height, 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.
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.
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.
How much does Nucleus cost?
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In the U.S., Nucleus’ offerings are priced as follows:
Nucleus Preview is $949 including two DNA kits + $39/year/person membership
Nucleus Embryo is $9,999
Nucleus IVF+ is as little as $9,999/month for four months, depending on clinic location.
How long does Nucleus take?
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Timings vary depending on where you are in your journey and which Nucleus offering you choose.
Preview
Once you place your order, we’ll send everything you need, including your test kits. Collecting your sample is simple with a quick cheek swab. After you send it back using the prepaid label, your results are typically ready within 4-6 weeks.Embryo
Timelines depend on your clinic and lab. Once we receive your embryo data, your analysis is usually ready within 1–2 weeks.IVF+
IVF+ follows the natural timeline of IVF. Because it’s built around your care, timing will depend on your individual treatment plan but we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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.
If you’re doing Nucleus Embryo or IVF+, your Nucleus results will also be shared with your existing IVF care team, including your physician, so you feel supported from every angle.
Before pregnancy
Nucleus Preview
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 looks at 2,000+ conditions and traits that you could pass on to your future child, including cancers, heart disease, diabetes, eye color, and IQ.
It provides a broader view than traditional genetic tests, helping you understand and plan earlier with more information.
What genetic insights will Preview give me?
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Preview helps you understand what your future child could inherit, including:
Rare inherited conditions, like cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
Risk for common conditions, like heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease
Traits, like height, eye color, and IQ
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 broader look at what your future child could inherit, screening 2,000+ diseases, conditions, and traits. 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. That matters, but it doesn’t reflect the full range of questions many parents have today.
Preview includes that rare disease screening and expands beyond it. It estimates likelihood for common health risks like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, along with likely traits such as eye color, height, and IQ.
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.
How can Preview estimate traits like IQ and height?
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Traits like height, IQ, and eye color aren’t determined by a single gene. They’re shaped by many genes working together. Preview analyzes how those genes combine in you and your partner to estimate what’s more or less likely in a future child.
Will this tell me if my child will definitely have a health condition or trait?
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Not exactly, it depends on the type of condition.
For many rare, single-gene conditions (like cystic fibrosis), genetics can give a very clear answer. If both parents are carriers, there is a known probability (for example, a 1 in 4 chance) that a child will have the condition.
For more common conditions and traits, like heart disease, diabetes, height, or IQ, the results reflect likelihood, not certainty. These are influenced by many genes working together, as well as environment and lifestyle over time.
Nucleus Preview brings both together: clear insight where genetics is decisive, and probabilistic insight where risk is shaped by many factors.
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.
If you’re looking for individual insights, visit: https://mynucleus.com/health/shop
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 the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, India, and the United Arab Emirates.
If you live outside of these countries and want to be notified when we ship to more countries, join the waitlist here.
During IVF
Nucleus embryo
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.
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 and traits 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 potential long-term health risks like heart disease and cancer—along with traits like height and IQ.
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.
If you’d like a quick sense of whether Nucleus Embryo might be right for you, you can also take our 2-minute quiz. [Take the Quiz]
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, long-term health risks, and traits.
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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For $9,999, 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 and traits 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 counselors
Our 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.
If you’d like to go deeper, you can explore more about the science behind Nucleus.
The full experience
Nucleus ivf+
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 screens both parents for 2,000+ conditions and traits that could be passed onNucleus Embryo
Advanced embryo analysis that gives you a more complete picture, from rare conditions to lifelong health risks and traitsDedicated, 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+ starts at $9,999/month for four months* and 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 a clearer picture of your embryos, including long-term health and traits.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 and traits, 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 give their child the best possible start in life, 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.
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.
What clinics do you work with?
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We work with several clinics within our IVF+ clinic network, which is rapidly expanding. These include Beverly Hills Fertility, Neway Fertility in New York, CdelaF in Mexico, Shmaisani Fertility Center in Jordan, and 160+ clinics in India with Indira Fertility Center.
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 shape your traits and influence your 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 inherited 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 and traits.
On their own, each of these common variants don’t mean much but together, they can shape things like disease risk and traits. We bring these signals together using advanced models (often called polygenic scores) to give you a clearer, more complete view of your embryos’ risks and potential.
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.
You can learn more about how this works here.
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 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.
If you’d like to go deeper, you can learn more about our science.
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 and traits as our science evolves.
Are genetic counselor appointments included?
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Genetic counseling for Nucleus Health and Preview is available through our partner, SteadyMD. Appointments cost $99 for a one-hour session and are not included in the membership.
If you’re using Nucleus Embryo, one session with a licensed genetic counselor is included at no additional cost. For IVF+, unlimited genetic counseling is included throughout your journey.
Still have questions? Reach out to us at concierge@mynucleus.com — we're happy to help.
