Do my clients need a SelfDecode DNA kit?
No — a SelfDecode DNA kit is not required. You can upload an existing raw DNA file from another provider, and your client will still receive personalized health insights through PromicsEdge.
However, for the most accurate and complete experience, we recommend using a SelfDecode DNA kit. Here's why:
Advantages of Using a SelfDecode Kit
More Complete Genetic Coverage
Most third-party DNA files contain only a small fraction of a person's genetic data (often less than 1% of the genome). These files are pre-filtered and may exclude key health-related variants, which means certain reports may be less comprehensive than those generated from a SelfDecode kit.
Optimized for the SelfDecode Platform
Our DNA chip was designed in-house and optimized for our health prediction algorithms. This allows us to analyze 200 million genetic variants with greater precision when the data comes from a SelfDecode kit.
Higher Data Quality and Lower Error Rate
Even when other providers use the same lab, data quality can vary based on chip configuration and accepted error thresholds. Because SelfDecode controls the entire pipeline — from chip design to bioinformatics — we ensure consistent, high-quality data and a lower chance of false positives or negatives.
Access to Exclusive Reports
Some reports are only available with SelfDecode kit data:
- Pharmacogenomics (Medication Check)
- Carrier Status (Family Planning)
- Longevity Screener Assessment
- Enhanced Ancestry Report
- Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Reports — only available with a SelfDecode WGS kit
These features are not available when using third-party DNA files.
Already Using a Third-Party File?
If your client has already uploaded a DNA file from another provider, they will still receive personalized health insights across the standard report library. If you'd like to unlock the full feature set, you can order a SelfDecode kit for that client at any time.