Why does my digital genome contain less than 100% of my genome data?
You can view the genome data stored in your Sequencing account from the Files page after signing in. Because the human genome contains roughly 3 billion genomic positions, the percentage shown in your digital genome depends on the type of test you completed and the type of files that are available in your account.
What affects the percentage
- Whole genome sequencing can provide data across the entire genome.
- Whole exome sequencing focuses on coding regions only, which represent a small part of the genome.
- DNA microarray data covers only selected positions in the genome.
- A VCF file contains variant calls, not every genomic position, so it will usually show less than full genome coverage.
| Test Type | Genome Coverage | Whats Included? |
|---|---|---|
| 30× Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) | 100 % | Covers all 3 billion genomic positions |
| Genome VCF Only | 95 % | Includes SNPs & INDELs, but excludes some structural variants, CNVs, mitochondrial heteroplasmy, etc. |
| Low‑pass WGS (0.4×) | 1.4 % | Partial coverage; many regions not sequenced |
| Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) | 1 % | Covers coding regions (exons) only |
| DNA Microarrays | 0.01 % | Genotyping chip data, limited to selected SNPs |
Can you increase the percentage
Yes. You may be able to increase the percentage of genome data in your digital genome by adding more complete data to your account.
- Upload raw sequencing data if it is available, such as FASTQ, BAM, or CRAM files.
- Add whole genome sequencing data for broader genome coverage.
- Combine additional compatible genome data sources in your account.
When additional genome data is added, your digital genome can update to reflect the expanded data that is available in your account.
Frequently asked questions
Does less than 100 percent mean my results are wrong?
No. It usually means the available data covers only part of the genome. Some analyses may still work well while others may be limited by the amount of data that is available.
Can I improve my coverage later?
Yes. If you upload additional data or upgrade to whole genome sequencing, the percentage shown for your digital genome can increase accordingly.
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