What Type of DNA Testing Does SelfDecode Use?
SelfDecode now offers two ways to analyze your DNA: high-quality 30x Whole Genome Sequencing that reads 100% of your genome, and our proprietary genotyping-plus-imputation technology that delivers deep insight at a more affordable price. Whichever you choose, your results power personalized health, longevity, and wellness recommendations, but 30x Whole Genome gives you the complete picture of your health.
The short version
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is here, at full scale. We read every one of your 3 billion base pairs directly, at clinical-grade 30x depth — uncovering rare variants and hidden drivers of your health that no other approach can reveal.
- Genotyping + imputation is our affordable option. Powered by SelfDecode’s proprietary genetic computation technology, it expands a focused DNA readout into a profile of over 200 million variants — something no one else does at our level.
- Both unlock SelfDecode’s reports. You can start affordably and upgrade to the complete picture whenever you’re ready.
Whole Genome Sequencing: the most complete DNA test available
Most genetic tests scan a fraction of your genome, estimate the rest, and call it personalization. SelfDecode’s Whole Genome Sequencing is built differently, from the ground up, for depth. We now provide high-quality 30x whole genome sequencing that reads all 3 billion base pairs of your DNA directly — not sampled, not estimated. If a meaningful variant exists in your genome, WGS will find it.
What “30x coverage” means: every position in your genome is read an average of 30 times. That repetition is what delivers clinical-grade 99.9%+ accuracy and reliable detection of the structural changes — insertions, deletions, and copy number variants that standard tests cannot see at all.
What only whole genome sequencing can show you
- Complete accuracy, zero guesswork. Every region of your genome is covered evenly and deeply. No blind spots, no low-read areas, no variants slipping through the gaps.
- Rare and hidden variants, finally detected. The low-frequency, high-impact variants that standard tests miss most are often the ones that explain why generic health advice has never quite worked for you. WGS reads these positions directly.
- Clinical-grade data your doctor can use. 30x coverage meets the benchmark used in medical research and hospital-grade genetic analysis — precise enough to support real health decisions.
- A foundation built to last. Your genome doesn’t change. Sequence it once and the complete data powers every future report — disease predisposition, pharmacogenomics, longevity, and more — with no need to retest as science advances.
This depth is what makes SelfDecode’s most advanced reports possible, including Ultimate Rare Variant Screening, the Whole Genome Genius Report, the ACMG SF v3.3 predisposition report, and Advanced Pharmacogenomics (PGx), HLA & Antigen Report and Mitochondrial Report. You can explore all of it on the Whole Genome Sequencing page.
Genotyping + imputation: our powerful, affordable option
Not everyone needs to sequence their entire genome on day one, and our standard DNA test remains a remarkably powerful place to start. Rather than reading every letter of your DNA, genotyping focuses on specific, informative locations called SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, pronounced “snips”) — small genetic variations that influence metabolism, nutrient needs, medication response, and disease risk.
How SelfDecode’s genotyping works
- Direct analysis. A high-density genotyping chip measures hundreds of thousands of clinically relevant SNPs from your DNA sample.
- Imputation. This is where SelfDecode stands apart. Using our proprietary genetic computation technology, we statistically infer additional variants from known inheritance patterns — expanding your results into a profile of over 200 million genetic variants without sequencing your whole genome.
Our imputation is built on the only scientifically validated genetic prediction technology for consumers, peer-reviewed and published in Nature Scientific Reports. No other consumer company computes your genetics this way, which is what lets genotyping deliver such deep insight at a fraction of the cost of sequencing.
Why genotyping is still a great choice
- Highly accurate for the common and health-relevant variants that matter most for everyday wellness decisions.
- More affordable, making advanced genetic analysis accessible to more people.
- Extensively validated across population genetics and medical research, with rigorous quality controls and computational cross-checks.
For most people exploring their genetics for the first time, genotyping covers the large majority of variants used in modern health and longevity research — and it powers the bulk of SelfDecode’s reports.
How does genotyping compare to whole genome sequencing (WGS)?
|
|
Genotyping + Imputation | Whole Genome Sequencing (30x) |
|---|---|---|
| What it reads | ~8% of your genome, then expanded by imputation to ~200 million variants | 100% of your DNA — all 3 billion base pairs, read directly |
| Read depth / accuracy | Single read per measured position; the rest is statistically inferred | Every base pair read ~30 times for clinical-grade 99.9%+ accuracy |
| Rare & novel variants | Strong on common and moderately rare variants | Detects ultra-rare and novel variants standard tests never see |
| Structural variants | Cannot detect insertions, deletions, or CNVs | Detects insertions, deletions, and copy number variants |
| Best for | An affordable, powerful entry point covering most SelfDecode reports | The most complete genetic picture: rare-variant screening, ACMG, advanced PGx, longevity |
| Future-proof | Limited to pre-selected markers | Complete raw data you can re-analyze for life as science advances |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher — a one-time investment in a lifelong dataset |
In short: genotyping with our proprietary imputation is an affordable, validated way to get deep genetic insight today. Whole genome sequencing goes all the way — reading every position in your DNA to surface the rare, structural, and hidden findings that explain your health like nothing else can.
Which one is right for you?
If you’re exploring your genetics for the first time or want accessible, validated health insights, genotyping is a great place to start — and you can upgrade later.
If you want the most complete picture of your health — including rare-variant screening, clinical predisposition analysis, and advanced pharmacogenomics — Whole Genome Sequencing is the right foundation. One test, complete data, no ceiling. Learn more or order on the Whole Genome Sequencing page.
Looking for help with your results?
SelfDecode has two AI options to help you explore your health data:
- DecodyGPT — our built-in AI health coach, available directly in your account
- Connect via MCP integration — link your SelfDecode data to ChatGPT or Claude for AI-powered insights using your own account
Want more from your SelfDecode plan?
The Ultimate Bundle includes all of our current premium reports in one package:
- Ancestry Report
- Condition Reports
- Longevity Screener
- Medication Check (PGx) Report
- Carrier Status
- Pathway Reports (Methylation, Detox, Histamine & more)
Upgrade from your dashboard or email support@selfdecode.com with questions.