Basepaws five-star scientific evidence grading system

The Basepaws Breed + Health Cat DNA test digital report now offers a five-star scientific evidence grading system for every genetic health and trait marker result. The genetic markers in our report represent a deep dive into the available feline genetics research, including the very latest findings.

An important part of the scientific process is to establish whether innovative research findings are consistent with previous studies. At Basepaws, we participate in this process to see if and how the patterns emerging from our data relate to already published research. This allows us to place our research within the context of the current state of knowledge in feline genetics, as well as identify knowledge gaps that will generate new questions and drive future research.

How Strong is the Evidence Associated with Feline Genetic Health Markers?

Some research findings are scientifically stronger than others. For example, a study on 100 cats has greater statistical power, and its conclusions can be interpreted with greater confidence, than a study on fewer than five cats. The Basepaws report includes a five-star rating system that denotes the strength of the scientific research evidence that is available for each genetic marker, and the interpretation of associated results. This system answers the question: How strong is the existing evidence that this marker is associated with this disease or trait?

In the Health Markers section of your cat’s digital report of results, you will see a list of items from left to right as in the example below: disease name, the gene, genetic mutation associated with the disease, the breeds the mutation is typically seen in, and your cat’s status for the disease (clear, carrier, at risk, at high risk), as inferred from the tested markers with known association to this disease.

Note that under the “mutation” column, there are five yellow stars. Different mutations will have different numbers of stars associated with them, depending on the strength of the scientific research available for each genetic marker. In our example above, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) has five stars.

The list below provides details on the meaning behind each star within the Basepaws five-star scientific evidence grading system:

Five stars: Consistent results reported across multiple scientific studies. More than 100 cats across studies that confirm the expected correlation between the genetic marker and physical presentation. Multiple scientific tools were used to confirm the mechanism behind the mutation. No contradictory results were reported in the literature.

Four stars: Results based on one or more studies that report findings from at least 30 cats that confirm the expected correlation between the genetic marker and physical presentation. Multiple scientific tools were used to confirm the mechanism behind the mutation. No contradictory results were reported in the literature.

Three stars: Results based on one or more studies reporting findings from at least 10 cats that confirm the expected correlation between the genetic marker and physical presentation. Multiple scientific tools may or may not have been used to confirm the mechanism behind the mutation. No contradictory results were reported in the literature.

Two stars: Results based on a study that only reports findings from fewer than 10 cats, yet it confirms the expected correlation between the genetic marker and physical presentation. Multiple scientific tools may or may not have been used to confirm the mechanism behind the mutation. Potentially inconclusive inheritance pattern. No contradictory results were reported in the literature.

One star: Preliminary results that should be interpreted with extreme caution. Based on a scientific study that either focused on a single cat, or on a few studies that do report contradictory results.

Learn more about this and other recent updates to the Basepaws Cat DNA test, including the addition of new genetic trait markers associated with your cat’s unique physical appearance, genetic markers for discovering your cat’s likely feline blood type, and new markers for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the most common form of heart disease in cats. 

The Basepaws at-home Breed + Health Cat DNA test is a digital health screening tool that puts you in charge of preventative healthcare for your cat. With genetic health marker status designations at your fingertips, any risk levels associated with current and/or potential diseases in your cat can be identified earlier. Early detection allows you to collaborate with your veterinarian on a proactive care plan that is individualized for your cat’s unique needs and minimizes, or ideally altogether avoids stressful and costly emergency vet visits.

As always, if you have any questions about your cat’s digital report, please reach out to us via email at meow@basepaws.com.

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