In our last article, we discussed clinical-grade 30x whole genome sequencing (WGS). In this article, we are going to dive deeper into the topic and discuss what different terms such as 30x and 0.4x mean in-relation to genome sequencing.
Let’s first take a step back and discuss what whole genome sequencing is and why it’s valuable.
About Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)
WGS is a laboratory technique in which the entire coding (exon) and non-coding (intron) regions of the genome are analyzed. It provides a comprehensive map of a person’s entire genetic makeup, which consists of nearly 6 billion letters. That's 6 billion data points for each person's genome!
Whole Genome Sequencing vs Genotyping DNA Tests
WGS is different from traditional consumer DNA tests known as 'genotyping' tests that provide data on part of a person's genome. Genotyping tests, also know as DNA chips and DNA microarrays, are very affordable (usually less than $100 per test) while also being very accurate, which is why they are excellent alternatives to more expensive whole genome sequencing.
Genotyping is the type of DNA testing used most often, especially when DNA tests are sold online. For example, genotyping is the technology used by 23andMe and AncestryDNA.
Genotyping genetic tests can obtain data on up to 2 million data points. Genotyping tests provide a tremendous amount of useful data for almost everything you'll want to know about your genes (ancestry, health, medication reactions, wellness, nutrition, fitness, sleep, etc). This type of testing may also be used to create an extensive personalized health plan.
So why do some people want whole genome sequencing instead of genotyping? WGS may be preferred if the goal is evaluation of rare diseases, such as Cystic Fibrosis and Tay Saches, or if a person simply wants to obtain as much data as possible.
The Value of Whole Genome Sequencing
WGS is our most powerful tool for testing for genetic disorders such as mutations that cause rare diseases as well as some forms of cancer. It's now also being used for tracking infectious disease outbreaks. WGS has come down significantly in price and, because of this, can now be useful on an everyday basis.
By understanding our genome in its entirety, we are in a better position to outsmart our genes.
What is 30x Whole Genome Sequencing?
When sequencing your genome, there is an important concept known as coverage.
The concept of coverage is similar to megapixels in your camera. The more megapixels your camera has, the clearer the image. The same applies to genome sequencing. The higher the coverage, the better the data quality.
Coverage refers to the number of times the sequencing machine will sequence your genome. Because you have 6 billion letters in your genome, even if the sequencing machine was incredibly accurate 99.99% of the time, the 0.01% error rate means that your genome may have 600,000 errors!
To significantly reduce the potential for errors, most sequencing services will sequence your genome many times! Each additional time further reduces the error rate, which means that the more times your genome is sequenced (ie the higher the coverage), the more accurate the data will be.
When you see genome sequencing being sold, 'x' marks the spot to look for! The number before the 'x' is the coverage (the average number of times your genome will be sequenced).
For example, when you get 30x WGS, the '30x' means that your entire genome will be sequenced an average of 30 times.
Clinical-Grade Whole Genome Sequencing
When sequencing is 30x, this means it is clinical-grade. The term 'clinical-grade' indicates that the genome data is very reliable and, because of this, can be used for health-related purposes.
For example, your doctor may use the data from clinical-grade WGS to determine what diseases you are genetically predisposed to as well as which medications are best for you to take.
If you want your genome sequencing to be clinical-grade, make sure it's 30x.
Our Whole Genome Sequencing service combines 30x clinical-grade sequencing with our advanced bioinformatics data processing and analysis. It's truly the ultimate genetic test that's available.
What is 0.4x Whole Genome Sequencing?
As some people are seeing 0.4x WGS offered by companies such as Nebula Genomics, we've started to receive a lot of questions about it. Sequencing.com's bioinformatics team has also spent a lot of time working with actual data from 0.4x sequencing. Unfortunately, we do not recommend 0.4x WGS becuase 0,4x does not provide sufficient accuracy or data quality to be used for health or wellness purposes.
Let's first understand what 0.4x means. If genome sequencing is only 0.4x, this means that the entire genome is sequenced less than a single time. This means that theoretically, genome sequencing data from 0.4x WGS may contain a lot of gaps in the data.
Our bioinformatics team was initially reluctant to work with data obtained from 0.4x genome sequencing because it is a fairly new concept and they were unsure of the data quality. After analyzing the data from 0.4x, including the imputation enhancement applied to the data, our bioinformatics experts confirmed that 0.4x WGS was not appropriate for health-related analysis.
30x versus 0.4x Sequencing
Both 30x and 0.4x sequencing can be used to generate data that can be used for many purposes.
30x is generally preferred if the data is going to be used for health or wellness purposes. For example, 30x is appropriate when a person with a serious yet unknown illness, such as a baby, may have a rare disease. It's also most appropriate for determining a person's genetic risk of a disease.
0.4x is generally preferred for recreational purposes, such as to learn about genealogy. Compared to 0.4x, however, genotyping tests from 23andMe and AncestryDNA may provide more comprehensive genetic genealogy insights at a cheaper price.
| WGS Coverage | Price (USD) | Data Appropriate For |
|---|---|---|
| 0.4x | $99 | Genealogy |
| 30x | $399 | Health, Rare Diseases, Wellness, Deep Genealogy, Data Exploration |
The wide assortment of DNA analysis apps and reports at Sequencing are designed to analyze 30x genome sequencing data. Since most of the apps and reports provide insights about health, 0.4x WGS data is not incompatible with our platform.
Where To Buy 30x Whole Genome Sequencing
We include 30x WGS with our whole genome sequencing bundles. Instead of just 30x whole genome sequencing, our unique service combines the sequencing with advanced bioinformatics analysis as well as several of our top DNA health apps and reports. It's an amazing value that provides you with 100% of your genome and clear solutions for better health.
Our Whole Genome Sequencing includes our Privacy Forever commitment, which ensures your data is kept confidential and is never sold or shared with anyone.
Using Sequencing.com’s DNA App Store
In our DNA app store, there are nine categories of apps including health, ancestry, nutrition, fitness, beauty, lifestyle, children, bioinformatics, and clothing. While all of the apps within the store are a great fit, apps such as Next-Gen Disease Screen, which analyzes your DNA data for more than 10,000 diseases and Wellness & Longevity are an excellent starting place.
If you already have taken a DNA test or have had your genome sequenced, import or upload your data to obtain insights and personalized guidance not available anyplace else.
