When exploring our heritage and health, it is natural to feel overwhelmed. Among our kits, they all promise to reveal who you are, but they have very different prices and scopes.
As a genetics expert (and your guide on this journey), I want to help you choose with total honesty. To do so, we will use a very simple metaphor: Imagine that your DNA is a book of 3 billion letters.
The DNA Microarray
The DNA test based on microarray technology (or genotyping) is the most popular and balanced option. But, what is a DNA microarray?
This technology uses DNA chips, also called microarrays, to look for specific variations in concrete positions of the genome. These variations are called SNPs.
Advantages and disadvantages of the microarray
What it is used for: It is ideal for discovering traits regarding wellness, ancestry, predispositions to common diseases, and to see if you are a carrier of certain genetic pathologies.
Advantages: It is fast, affordable, and offers an excellent overview. Furthermore, microarray analysis is highly precise.
Limitations: It does not serve as a diagnostic method for diseases, nor for detecting rare mutations or other genetic alterations not included in its design.
Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
What is whole genome sequencing? It is, literally, reading every single one of the 3 billion letters of your DNA, without missing a single comma.
Using the most advanced whole genome sequencing technology, we can study both coding regions (those that give rise to proteins) and non-coding regions (which include regulatory, structural, and evolutionary function regions). WGS analyses both the parts that manufacture proteins and the regulatory regions.
Is whole genome sequencing worth it?
The answer is: if you are looking for maximum peace of mind and depth, yes.
Benefits of whole genome sequencing:
No blind spots: No region is left unexplored.
Future-proof: As science discovers new DNA functions, your data will already be there. You will never need another test again.
WGS applications: It is the definitive tool for detecting rare genetic diseases and understanding complex genetic conditions that other tests miss.
Whole Exome Sequencing: The heart of the action
Whole exome sequencing only reads a part of your book.
What is the exome? It is the part of the DNA containing instructions to manufacture proteins (the exomes). Although it only represents 1-2% of your genome, it is where 85% of mutations causing genetic diseases occur. By choosing a whole exome sequencing service, you ensure you thoroughly review your body's "operating instructions".
Exome vs. Genome: What is the difference?
The main difference in the exome sequencing vs. whole genome sequencing comparison is context. The exome ignores non-coding DNA, formerly called "junk DNA", but which we now know has important regulatory and structural functions and is fundamental in evolution.
Final comparison: Which to choose at tellmeGen?
· Starter / Advanced (SNP Microarray): If you are looking for a fascinating introduction to your health, nutrition, and ancestors at an affordable price. It is the ideal starting point for most people.
· WGS 30x (Whole Genome Sequencing): If you are naturally curious, if you have a family history of rare diseases, or if you simply want to have the complete map of your biology forever.
At tellmeGen, our mission is to make genetic information useful.
