Sequencing.com Review 2024

DNA tests have become widely available to those who want to know more about their genetic code and what it can tell them about their ancestry, health, or both. However, the best way of storing and interpreting that data poses a whole new challenge.

Introducing Sequencing.com, a platform where you can not only securely store your collected DNA data but also find out more from your results. The company offers its own tests but also accepts collected data from tests bought elsewhere.

Other DNA test providers may only give results that are based on a small percentage of your genetic coding, but Sequencing.com provides tests that involve much more data - sometimes 100%.

But is this better? Who are Sequencing.com, and how does the platform work? What can you learn about your ancestry and yourself by storing your DNA data this way? Is Sequencing.com accurate?

We've thoroughly reviewed Sequencing.com's services and will share details about security, pricing as well as the pros and cons of this platform. Read along for more in-depth information.

Who Is Sequencing.com?

Founded in 2013 and initially launched in 2016, Sequencing.com is a genetic data and DNA testing platform based in the United States. The platform allows you to explore the information held by your DNA in great detail. You can either buy a DNA test or upload DNA test data from a different service.

Much like smartphone apps, the Sequencing.com app market offers both free and paid options. It provides services from nutritional recommendations and health reports to ancestry analyses. The ultimate DNA testing kit for health and ancestry and the genome explorer are good examples of paid and free apps.

The company's founder, Dr. Brandon Colby, is an expert in genetics and holds an MD accreditation from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. He also wrote "Outsmart Your Genes," a book explaining genetics and preventative medicine.

How Does The Sequencing.com Test Work?

Upload current DNA testing results or purchase a DNA test

If you already have DNA results from another service, you can upload your data to Sequencing.com. The Sequencing.com platform is compatible with DNA data from lots of other genetic testing companies such as Ancestry and 23andMe.

However, if you don't already have any DNA test results, you can purchase a testing kit from Sequencing.com. Two tests are available, offering either 1% or 100% testing of your genome.

You can also upload more than one set of data to Sequencing.com - such as if you have two sets of test results from separate companies. If you upload more than one set of data, you'll receive just one report containing all of your results in the same format, which you may find very convenient.

Select the apps that you'd like from the DNA app store

Sequencing.com has a collection of DNA analysis apps that can help you to learn more about the information that's inside your DNA. Some of these apps are free, while others are paid.

Once you've either uploaded your existing data or purchased a testing kit from Sequencing.com, you can browse the DNA app store to explore the categories that you're most interested in. These include ancestry, health, lifestyle, fitness, beauty, bioinformatics, and much more.

Some DNA apps can provide information about your dietary needs based on DNA data. Others will offer an insight into the most effective weight and health management plans for you or explain how your DNA affects your fitness ability and personality.

Some available apps also offer advice about which vitamins you should take and which, if any, medications are likely to cause a bad reaction. More importantly, Sequencing.com adheres to rigorous screening processes for all of its apps available on the platform, with the company rejecting any apps that don't meet its reliability criteria.

Receive your insights

Once you've selected the apps that best suit your goals, they will create reports that will give you useful information about your life. New apps are always being added, which is one reason why a Sequencing.com membership is worth it.

The company calls it Real-time Personalization, which makes it different from other companies, many of which only offer one-off results with limited updates.

What Does The Sequencing.com Testing Kit Include?

Your Sequencing.com testing kit comes with everything you'll need, including a prepaid mailing envelope.

Inside the kit

Inside your testing kit, you'll find:

• An introductory letter
• Instruction/registration card
• Cheek swab
• Collection tube and specimen bag
• Mailing envelope and tracking number

How To Purchase A Sequencing.com Testing Kit

You can purchase a DNA test directly from Sequencing.com. Here's how to do it:

1. Choose which testing kit you want based on your budget and goals. The ultimate genome sequencing kit is the best choice if you're looking for the most comprehensive kit possible. However, the ultimate DNA kit is also very thorough and is much more comprehensive than many other available tests.
2. Add your chosen test to your basket and fill in your address and payment details, then click place your order.
3. Once you've placed your order, your selected kit will be shipped to your home - Sequencing.com ships worldwide.

How much does a Sequencing.com test kit cost?

The cost of a Sequencing.com test depends on which, if any, tests you choose to buy, the apps you purchase subsequently, and which membership you opt for.

Ultimate DNA test

This test costs $189, and as well as a DNA testing kit, a one-month silver membership, and a Coronavirus health report are included. Sequencing.com claims that the ultimate DNA test offers approximately 50 times more DNA data than leading companies, providing an understanding of health, ancestry, and more:

• The ultimate DNA Test holds information on approximately 30 million variants, such as the Y chromosome, which gives an insight into the paternal lineage. Another included variant is mitochondrial DNA, which provides information about the maternal line.
• This data also provides information about SNPs - Single nucleotide polymorphisms and INDELS. SNPs will help to identify how someone will react to a certain environmental toxin or drug and whether there is a risk of them developing any specific diseases.

Ultimate genome sequencing service

The ultimate genome sequencing kit costs $599, and the price includes:

• A Coronavirus DNA health report
• A one-month silver membership
• A wellness and longevity report
• A rare disease screen
• A health pro report

The ultimate genome sequencing test offers roughly 5,000 times more DNA data than Ancestry and 23andMe.

• The ultimate genome sequencing service collects data from 3 billion sites in the genome, such as the mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome.
• Additionally, the data includes SNPs and INDELS, the same as the ultimate DNA test offers.
• You'll also receive information about copy number variations - this is when several copies of a certain gene are different from others and variations of chromosome structures.

Member access to the apps

To access the DNA app store, Sequencing.com has a membership system. The cost of buying apps individually ranges from complimentary to $250, with the majority costing approximately $50. Some apps offer a free trial and no charge for processing or storing DNA data.

Free membership

This is ideal for those who are new to DNA sequencing as it grants you access to the available free apps.

Silver membership

This is usually $19.98 per month, or you can pay for it annually at $239.76. You get two free apps per month and instant access to DNA Selfie, which predicts your facial features using your DNA.

The other free app is genome explorer ultimate, which you can use to conduct an in-depth look at your genetic data. Other features you can enjoy include:

• Genome-lock DNA security which secures your data
• One Genome, which integrates your data from various sources
• Altruism rewards - for agreeing to share your genetic data anonymously to help further research

Gold Membership

Gold membership costs $59.98 per month or annually at $719.76. You get four free apps each month and real-time health updates. This is given when there's information available about your genetic data because of recently published research. You'll also receive everything in the silver subscription.

Platinum membership

This is the most comprehensive membership and can be paid for annually for $1,199.76 or $99.98 per month. You'll receive six complementary apps each month and live genetic counseling with qualified and licensed genetic counselors for life. You'll also get all of the features in the gold subscription.

How To Use A Sequencing.com Testing Kit

Taking your Sequencing.com sample is easy:

Take the sample

Once your kit arrives, you'll need to do a simple cheek swab using the equipment provided. The kit will contain instructions, and you must follow them carefully.

If you don't do the swab correctly, it may render it invalid, meaning you likely won't receive any results. Make sure you avoid eating, drinking, or smoking 30 minutes before you take your sample.

Activate your kit

Before you send your testing kit back, you'll need to activate it online. Simply log in to your account and enter the kit number that's provided. Once you've activated it, you'll receive an email from Sequencing.com with further instructions on how to register on the site too.

Mail it back

Once you've activated your kit, simply pop everything back into the prepaid envelope and mail it back to the address provided.

The Pros And Cons Of The Sequencing.com Testing Kit

Pros:

• The platform provides a comprehensive catalog of apps
• DNA data is securely stored
• Free DNA upload
• DNA data format support from various genetic testing companies

Cons:

• The full membership is expensive
• It may be too in-depth for those looking for general health and ancestry insights

When And How Will I Receive My Results?

Sequencing.com always strives to return your results as fast as possible without compromising the quality. Results of the ultimate DNA tests take approximately four weeks. However, the ultimate genome sequencing test takes longer.

This is because the service includes an incredibly complex genetic test. Once the laboratory receives the testing kit, it takes an estimated 2-3 weeks for the DNA to be extracted from the swabs and purified.

A quality control process also needs to be carried out to make sure the DNA quality and quantity are good enough. The next step is DNA sequencing, which can take an extra 8-9 weeks.

At times the laboratory can get very busy, so an extra four weeks may need to be added for the turnaround time.

Is The Sequencing.com Test Accurate?

Sequencing is an exceptionally accurate way of screening your DNA. The more your testing kit covers, the more doctors and data researchers can examine and learn about your genetic makeup.

Typically, most DNA tests cover around .01.02% of a person's DNA. The ultimate DNA testing kit from Sequencing.com covers approximately 1% of the DNA, and the ultimate genome kit goes one step better and covers 100% of the DNA.

Will Sequencing.com Keep My Information Private?

Yes, Sequencing.com places a great emphasis on security and privacy when it comes to peoples' data. The company will not sell your data. They also won't share it with anyone, including insurance companies, government agencies, law enforcement, or pharmaceutical companies.

How Does Sequencing Compare To The Competition?

Sequencing.com vs. Ancestry

Ancestry is a great choice if you're looking to connect with living relatives as their DNA tests offer a database Ancestry is a great choice as their DNA tests offer a database that's far bigger than other companies. This improves your chance of finding a genetic match and allows you to connect with those matches through a messaging service anonymously.

Just like Sequencing.com, Ancestry has the option for its members to get an insight into their chances of developing certain diseases. It also provides information about your genetic influence on caffeine consumption, vitamin levels, and lactose intolerance.

You can do all of this and more by purchasing an Ancestry health core or health plus membership. For this reason, Ancestry is a great choice for those looking for an affordable way to find out a little more about their health, wellness, and family history.

Sequencing.com vs. Nebula Genomics

Just like Sequencing.com, Nebula Genomics offers a huge wealth of information, but its platform doesn't support raw DNA data uploads from quite as many test providers as Sequencing.com yet.

Nebula Genomics services are also more ancestry-focused than Sequencing.com. If you're looking to explore your ancestry in great detail, you may find Nebula is the better choice for you.

Sequencing.com vs. Dante Labs

Like Sequencing.com, Dante Labs offers its members a huge amount of information about their unique DNA. Additionally, like Sequencing.com, Dante Labs is focused more on health reports, making them both good choices if you're wanting to build better fitness and eating habits based on your genetic makeup.

Sequencing: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sequencing.com safe?

Yes, genome sequencing tests from Sequencing.com are very safe. Although DNA platforms aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they do adopt advanced security and medical standards to make sure all DNA samples and genetic data are kept safe.

The Sequencing.com labs that process the testing kits are certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendments (CLIA) and are credited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

Additionally, your data upload will be stored using strict guidelines from the HIPAA - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Many companies also comply with the GDPR and Privacy Shield.

An ID number identifies your DNA sample, so none of your details are connected except via your account portal. You'll receive a private link to this once your test is complete.

As an extra security measure, your raw DNA data is personalized in case you want to share it with genetic researchers. Your personal information is also never sold or shared with third parties, such as marketers or insurance companies.

Is Sequencing.com free?

Although it's free to perform a DNA data upload and limited analyses are available for free, most of the apps, and the more in-depth tests, are paid.

Who can use whole genome sequencing?

If you lead a fairly healthy lifestyle with minimum issues, you might not need to do a whole genome sequencing test. You can learn a lot about yourself from a less in-depth test from Sequencing.com without having to dig deeper.

However, whole-genome sequencing could provide some valuable information if you have a family history of rare diseases, poor health, or birth defects. No guesswork is involved because all genetic variations and markers are covered.

This can help you and your doctor makes better-informed healthcare decisions. Your data can also be extremely useful to medical researchers while they work to determine both the causes and treatments for rare types of cancer and genetic disorders.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Sequencing.com testing kit or membership offers great value. Depending on your chosen membership level, you'll be granted access to many free and premium monthly reports.

You can purchase extra reports based on your interests and needs from a wide range of independent app providers. This app market approach gives you more control over which pieces of information you want to share.

Neil Edwards

Genealogist and family-tree research specialist

Neil was born in Shropshire, England surrounded by centuries of living history. His interest in the past has been a lifelong passion leading to undergraduate degrees in both Economic History & Geography and History & Politics.

This interest in history quickly translated to family history when he moved to the U.S. in 2010. It was here that he began working on his own family tree as well as that of his American wife. That research allowed him to gain a wealth of experience working with both U.S. and European genealogical documents and studying their best uses in researching family history.

Following 9 years of honing his genealogical research skills, Neil was proud to have earned a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University in late 2019. Neil also took part in the research process for a Duke University study into the families of 19th Century UK Members of Parliament.

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