Your Genetic Data Options
Getting your genetic data digitized can seem overwhelming, but it's simpler than you think. Your DNA contains millions of variations that make you unique, and different testing methods can read different amounts of this information.
Think of your genome like a massive book with 3 billion letters. Different genetic tests read different portions of this book - some read the whole thing, others focus on specific chapters, and some just check certain pages.
Your Three Main Options
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) - Our Top Recommendation
This reads your entire genetic "book" from cover to cover. WGS captures everything - all the chapters, paragraphs, and even the spaces between words. It's the most complete picture of your genetic makeup.
What you get:
- Complete DNA sequence (all 3 billion letters)
- ~4-5 million genetic variations
- Information about rare and common variants
- Data for ancestry, health, traits, and medication responses
Investment: $300-500
Best for: Anyone wanting the most comprehensive genetic insights
Whole Exome Sequencing (WES)
This reads only the "instruction manual" parts of your genetic book - about 1-2% that contains the blueprints for proteins. It's like reading just the important chapters while skipping the rest.
What you get:
- Protein-coding regions only
- ~20,000-25,000 genetic variations
- Focus on medically relevant genes
- Good for known genetic conditions
Investment: can be more expensive than WGS (depends on the lab)
Best for: Medical-focused analysis that will be accepted by doctors.
SNP Array (Genetic Chip)
This checks specific, predetermined spots in your genetic book - like looking up certain words in an index. It only finds variations scientists already know about.
What you get:
- 500,000-2 million predetermined positions
- Common genetic variations only
- Basic ancestry and trait information
- Cannot find new or rare variants
Investment: $50-200
Best for: Basic curiosity about ancestry and common traits.
This method is not suitable for health investigation (read more about SNP Array limitations).
Why We Recommend Whole Genome Sequencing
Your DNA holds important insights—but you only get one chance to capture them when you decide to get tested. Since genetic testing is typically a one-time investment, it’s smart to choose the option that gives you the fullest data right from the start.
With WGS, you're future-proofing your genetic analysis. As scientists discover new genetic insights, your complete genome data can reveal new information without needing additional testing.
Getting Started
For the best experience with Gene Inspector Pro, we recommend ordering Whole Genome Sequencing from Sequencing.com. They provide high-quality 30x coverage data that works seamlessly with our analysis platform.
Once you receive your genetic data file, simply upload it to Gene Inspector Pro to unlock personalized insights about your health, ancestry, traits, and much more.