Methylation testing looks at the folate and methionine cycle in two ways. The myDNA Methylation Report reads 18 variants in 13 genes, including MTHFR C677T and A1298C, from a cheek swab. The Methylation Profile measures folate forms, SAMe and SAH in fasting blood. MTHFR variants are common, and guidelines advise against routine MTHFR genotyping, so read either test with homocysteine, B12 and folate. Verified practitioners can order both through Vively.
| Test type | DNA from a cheek swab, or measured in a fasting blood sample |
|---|---|
| Nutripath code | 8014, 5101 |
| Sample and collection | DNA report: cheek swab collected at home. Methylation Profile: fasting blood drawn at a partner collection centre with the Nutripath kit |
| Preparation | Cheek swab: no food, drink, gum or brushing teeth for 1 hour before. Blood profile: fast overnight and collect early in the week. |
| Turnaround | 21 to 24 business days for the DNA report and 18 business days for the Methylation Profile (Nutripath estimates, from when the lab receives the sample). Allow extra days for postage. |
| Available through | Nutripath test ordered through Vively. You need to be a verified practitioner to refer it. |
| Pricing | Pricing in your practitioner account |
| Results | PDF report from Nutripath, filed in your client’s record and app beside their blood results |
Only practitioners can order this test. Ask your naturopath, nutritionist or dietitian whether they use Vively.
What do the methylation tests measure?
The two tests answer different questions. The DNA report shows inherited variants that may change how efficiently enzymes in the folate and methionine cycle work. The blood profile measures the cycle’s metabolites at the time of collection.
A myDNA report covering 18 variants in 13 genes, including MTHFR 677 and 1298, MTR, MTRR, CBS, COMT, PEMT, AHCY, DHFR, TCN2 and FUT2. Genotype does not change, so it only needs to be done once.
Measures 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), folinic acid, tetrahydrofolate (THF), S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) and the SAMe to SAH ratio in a fasting blood sample.
Neither test replaces the routine blood markers. Homocysteine, active B12 and red cell folate show whether the cycle is working in practice.
The DNA report lists each genotype with a short explanation. The blood profile lists each metabolite against the reference interval printed on the report.
| Nutripath test | Code | Sample | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| DNA Methylation Report | 8014 | Cheek swab | 21 to 24 business days |
| Methylation Profile | 5101 | Blood | 18 business days |
How do you order methylation testing through Vively?
- Get verified. You need to be a verified practitioner to refer tests. Practitioners with a recognised qualification or membership (ATMS, NHAA, ANTA, Dietitians Australia, NSA, CMA or Ahpra registration) can request free practitioner access.
- Build the order. Log in to the practitioner platform, choose the Nutripath test and add any blood tests or the $99 Baseline Health Check to the same order. Pricing shows in your account, and either your client or your practice can pay.
- Client collects at home. Nutripath sends your client the collection kit once the order is placed. Your client follows the kit instructions (a cheek swab for the DNA report; the Methylation Profile is a fasting blood test, so for that one your client takes the kit to a partner pathology collection centre for the blood draw) and posts the sample back to Nutripath in the packaging provided.
- Review the report. Nutripath’s PDF report is filed in your client’s record and app, next to their blood results, ready for the follow-up consult.
See every Nutripath test you can order on the Nutripath tests page.
Order methylation testing with your client’s blood tests
Free access for verified naturopaths, nutritionists and dietitians. Order Nutripath tests and blood pathology in one place, and see every result in your client’s record.
What can a methylation test tell you, and what can it not?
The MTHFR story is louder online than in the evidence. Use these tests to explain a pattern you can already see in blood, not to label a client.
About 10 to 15% of people of European ancestry carry two copies of MTHFR C677T, and many more carry one. Most never have raised homocysteine or any related illness.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics advises against MTHFR testing for clotting risk or recurrent miscarriage. The RACGP’s First do no harm guide advises GPs to avoid requesting MTHFR gene tests, as there is no causal link between MTHFR variants and particular diseases.
A variant matters only if it shows up as raised homocysteine or low folate or B12 status. These are measured in blood and can be retested after a change in diet or supplements.
SAMe, SAH and folate forms are measured mainly in research and functional settings. Read them against Nutripath’s reference intervals and repeat before acting on a borderline result.
How does methylation testing fit with blood work?
Order B12, folate and, where available, homocysteine with either test. The blood markers decide what you do next.
- ContextMTHFR C677T variants with normal B12 and red cell folate
Common and usually of no consequence. Support a folate rich diet and retest only if symptoms or blood markers change.
- ReferLow active B12 or low red cell folate, with or without variants
A deficiency to confirm and investigate with the GP, who will look for causes such as absorption problems or medicines.
- ContextLow SAMe to SAH ratio on the blood profile
Points to a cycle that is not keeping up. Check B12, folate and protein intake before adding methyl donor supplements.
- LowNo significant variants and normal blood markers
No methylation problem to address. Focus on the client’s other priorities.
What can affect a methylation result?
- Folic acid, folinic acid, methylfolate or B12 supplements taken before the blood profile
- Not fasting before the Methylation Profile
- Methotrexate, metformin, some anticonvulsants and nitrous oxide, which affect folate or B12
- Kidney function and thyroid status, which change homocysteine
- For the cheek swab, eating, drinking or brushing teeth in the hour before
When should you refer the client to their GP?
- Low B12, low folate or a macrocytic blood count
- Numbness, tingling, balance problems or memory change with low B12
- A personal or family history of blood clots, or recurrent miscarriage
- Pregnancy or planning pregnancy, for folate dosing advice
- A client on methotrexate or anticonvulsants who wants to change folate supplements
How should a client prepare for methylation testing?
Copy or print this to send to your client. Follow the instructions in the Nutripath kit if they differ.
Preparing for your methylation test
- For the cheek swab, don’t eat, drink, chew gum or brush your teeth for 1 hour before. Rub the swab firmly inside your cheek as the kit shows.
- For the blood test, fast overnight (water is fine) and have your blood taken in the morning, Monday to Wednesday.
- Take the Nutripath kit and request form to a partner collection centre for the blood test, then post the sample back as the kit describes.
- Ask your practitioner whether to pause folate or B12 supplements before the blood test. Don’t stop prescribed medicines.
- Post samples back the same day in the packaging provided.
- Your practitioner will receive the reports and go through them with you.
What does the methylation report look like?
Nutripath publishes sample reports on its website. They open in a new tab.
How do practitioners use methylation testing with clients?
Start with blood: active B12, red cell folate and a blood count. Add the DNA report when a client already has a known MTHFR result from elsewhere and wants context, or when B12 and folate stay low despite good intake. Use the blood Methylation Profile when you want to see the cycle’s metabolites before and after a change in diet or supplements. Keep the conversation on what the client can change: food folate, B12 intake and retesting.
Methylation testing FAQs
Can a naturopath, nutritionist or dietitian order methylation or MTHFR testing through Vively?
Yes. You need to be a verified practitioner to refer it. Add the Nutripath DNA Methylation Report or the Methylation Profile to an order in the Vively practitioner platform. Pricing shows in your account. No account yet? Request free access.
Does the DNA Methylation Report include MTHFR?
Yes. It reports MTHFR C677T and A1298C along with 16 other variants in genes such as MTR, MTRR, CBS, COMT and PEMT.
Should everyone with an MTHFR variant take methylfolate?
No. Most people with MTHFR variants have normal folate and homocysteine. Decide on supplements from blood results and diet, and check with the GP during pregnancy or when medicines affect folate.
What is the difference between the two methylation tests?
The DNA report shows inherited variants and never needs repeating. The Methylation Profile measures folate forms, SAMe and SAH in blood at the time of collection, so it can show change after treatment.
How long do methylation results take?
Nutripath estimates 21 to 24 business days for the DNA report and 18 for the blood profile, from when the lab receives the sample. Allow a few extra days for postage.
References
- Hickey SE, Curry CJ, Toriello HV. ACMG Practice Guideline: lack of evidence for MTHFR polymorphism testing. Genetics in Medicine. 2013;15(2):153-156.
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. First do no harm: a guide to choosing wisely in general practice. MTHFR gene testing. 2022.
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services. MTHFR fact sheet (CSF 014). vcgs.org.au.
- Nutripath. myDNA Methylation Report (test code 8014) and Methylation Profile (test code 5101). nutripath.com.au, checked 20 October 2026.