What are mitochondria?

Mitochondria are organelles in the cells that produce energy (ATP) required for all bodily functions and overall health.

MitoSwab is a non-invasive test that analyzes the Electron Transport Chain to evaluate mitochondrial function and dysfunction.

How would MitoSwab help the patient?

MitoSwab helps diagnose mitochondrial dysfunction and monitor therapy, offering a non-invasive alternative to muscle biopsy.

What is a buccal swab?

A buccal swab is a simple swab of the inside of the cheek used to collect samples for testing.

Where do I send the sample?

The sample should be sent using the return envelope included in the kit to ReligenDX, 5110 Campus Drive, Suite #120, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.

Do I have to fast before collecting a sample?

No, fasting is not required before sample collection.

FAQs | Mitoswab™

About the Test

What is MitoSwab^™?

MitoSwab^™ is a non-invasive test that analyzes the power of the mitochondria. With a simple buccal mucosal swab, MitoSwab^™ will analyze the components of the Electron Transport Chain. Additionally, it measures Citrate Synthase activity, which provides an indicator of the overall mitochondrial content within the cells.

MitoSwab^™ has an 84% correlation with the muscle biopsy, which is the current gold standard for the evaluation of mitochondrial dysfunction. The ease of using a buccal swab makes MitoSwab^™ the first choice for the exploratory investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Do I need to stop my supplements before testing?

Yes. Please stop all supplements at least 7 days before your test — this is called a wash-out period. The supplements which affect mitochondria are both water soluble and lipid soluble with different bioavailability half-lives. If a patient can’t have a wash out period, then the existing treatment may be considered baseline.

Supplements known to affect mitochondrial function include:

CoQ10,

L-Carnitine,

Alpha Lipoic Acid,

PQQ,

NADH.

What does the sample actually test — DNA, RNA, or something else?

The MitoSwab^™ is a buccal (cheek) swab, not a saliva sample. It is a functional test that analyzes how well your mitochondria are working — it does not test your DNA or genetics.

Logistics

Is a return shipping label included with my kit?

Yes. The Mitoswab^™ kit includes an overnight return label and is included in the pricing for domestic and Canada patients. Detailed shipping and sample storage instructions are included with the kit and provided at the time of ordering

Please note that NOT following the shipping and sample storage instructions accurately can seriously affect the quality of the sample and the accuracy of the test results.

DO NOT SHIP on a Friday or prior to a holiday.Holiday schedule inquiries can be emailed to support@mitoswab.com.

DO NOT USE YOUR OWN SHIPPING LABEL-Mitochondrial samples are temperature sensitive and require overnight shipping.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we work with international clients depending on location. Dry ice requirements apply for international shipments.

Please contact our customer support team at support@mitoswab.com for international shipping instructions and kit delivery options before ordering.

Billing and Insurance

What are the CPT codes so I can check my insurance coverage?

The CPT codes for MitoSwab^™ testing are 82657 and 84311. Diagnosis (dx) codes are provided by your ordering physician based on your clinical picture.

Do you accept insurance? How does payment work?

We currently do not accept insurance for Mitoswab^™ testing. Payment is due at the time of ordering.

Patients have three options on your requisition form:

Credit card
Electronic invoice (requires a valid email address)
Check enclosed with your sample — please do not mail checks separately

Once payment is complete, you can request a superbill to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.

For billing questions, email us at billing@mitoswab.com

How much does testing cost?

US / Domestic – $350 USD
Canada — -$375 USD
International — pricing varies; please contact us for details