What Type of DNA Testing Does SelfDecode Use?
SelfDecode uses advanced DNA genotyping—a proven method that analyzes the most important locations in your genome to provide personalized health, longevity, and wellness recommendations.
What is genotyping?
Rather than reading every single letter of your DNA, genotyping focuses on specific locations known as SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, pronounced "snips"). These are small genetic variations that influence metabolism, nutrient needs, medication response, and disease risk.
How SelfDecode's genotyping works
Here's our process:
- Direct analysis: A high-density genotyping chip measures hundreds of thousands of clinically relevant SNPs from your DNA sample.
- Imputation: We use a statistical method called imputation, which accurately infers additional genetic variants based on known inheritance patterns—without needing to sequence your entire genome.
The result is a genetic profile covering over 200 million genetic variants, giving you deeply comprehensive insights at a fraction of the cost of full genome sequencing.
Why does SelfDecode use genotyping?
Genotyping offers the best balance of accuracy, speed, and affordability for health optimization:
- Highly accurate for the common and health-relevant variants that matter most for everyday wellness decisions
- Faster turnaround than whole genome sequencing
- More affordable, making advanced genetic analysis accessible to more people
- Extensively validated across population genetics and medical research
Our results go through rigorous quality controls and computational cross-checks to ensure reliability.
How does genotyping compare to whole genome sequencing (WGS)?
|
|
Genotyping (SelfDecode today) | Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) |
|---|---|---|
| What it reads | The most informative ~8% of your genome, expanded via imputation | 100% of your DNA |
| Coverage | Up to 200 million genetic variants | All ~3 billion base pairs |
| Best for | Health optimization, longevity, personalized recommendations | Deep clinical investigation, ultra-rare variants, advanced research |
| Cost | More affordable | Higher cost |
| Turnaround | Faster | Typically longer |
| Rare variants | Strong coverage of common and moderately rare variants | Captures extremely rare variants (fewer than 1 in 10,000 people) |
In short: Genotyping covers the vast majority of variants used in modern health and longevity research. WGS adds the ability to detect extremely rare mutations, which most people don't need for day-to-day health optimization.
Is whole genome sequencing coming to SelfDecode?
Yes! Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) will be available through SelfDecode in 2026, featuring:
- 30× coverage (clinical-grade depth)
- Seamless integration with your existing SelfDecode reports
- Ideal for users who want the most complete genetic picture possible
📩 Note: We'll send updates to our subscribers via email as WGS becomes available. Contact support@selfdecode.com for questions or updates.
Want even more out of SelfDecode?
We'd highly recommend the Ultimate Bundle for comprehensive insights. This includes all of the premium reports you haven't yet unlocked in one easy purchase:
You can purchase right from your dashboard. Email support@selfdecode.com for sample reports or questions.
Meet Decody, Your AI Health Coach
Need help navigating your results? Decody (our DecodyGPT AI assistant) is here to help. Decody is your personal AI guide, designed to provide clear, easy-to-understand insights tailored to your health data. Ask Decody anything—from understanding your reports to exploring new health insights.