Digital Genomes, Genome Plans, & Genome Scans
By Dr. Brandon Colby, MD, Founder of Sequencing and author of Outsmart Your Genes. An early voice in direct-to-consumer genetic testing.
This page explains how DNA files are managed into genomes, how Genome Plans work, and how Sequencing keeps your data updated with new scientific discoveries.
Digital Genomes
A digital genome is the unified representation of someone’s DNA data in your account. All DNA files (uploads or sequencing results) for one person are merged into one genome.
With One Genome Technology, each new DNA file is compared to existing genomes to determine whether it belongs to an existing genome or should create a new one. This ensures you always have a single, accurate genome for each person without needing to manage multiple files manually.
DNA File Storage
Your raw DNA files are stored inside their associated genome. To view them, open the genome and select Files. This will display every file type that contributed to that genome, such as FASTQ, BAM, VCF, or third-party uploads.
Running Reports with One Genome
Because One Genome Technology is always active, you do not need to select individual files when running reports. Simply select the genome you want to analyze, and the system will automatically use the best available data.
This approach reduces confusion about file types, prevents errors, and ensures consistent results even when new data is added.
Genome Plans
A Genome Plan is the membership associated with each genome. Every genome in your account requires its own plan, whether Free or paid.
All Genome Plans, including Free, provide:
- One Genome Technology
- Privacy protections and data ownership
- Unlimited secure storage of DNA files
- Compliance with strict privacy and security standards
Paid plans add benefits such as report credits, advanced analysis tools, and access to Genome Scan.
Renaming a Genome
To rename a genome:
- Select the genome from your list.
- Click Edit in the genome details section.
- Enter the new name in the Genome field and select Save Changes.
Learn More
What Is One Genome Technology?
What Can You Learn From Your DNA
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you upload DNA for yourself and family members, or from different sources, each person will have a separate genome.
No. Your raw data files and purchased reports remain in your account even if you downgrade or cancel.
The frequency depends on your plan. Higher tier plans include more frequent scans and updates.
Yes. New files are evaluated and merged into the matching genome automatically.
When new data is merged, your digital genome is updated automatically. All newly run reports and tools will use the most up-to-date version.