FAQ
Questions before you use Genome
Compare data types, privacy, local analysis and report limits before deciding what fits your question.
Primary recommendation
For broad coverage, compare WGS first.
WGS can cover coding and non-coding regions and supports Genome's broadest range of workflows. Useful results still depend on coverage, file quality, reference data and the question you want to study.
Files are analysed locally. Optional reference lookups may use public databases.
Main decisions
Use these topics when you want to decide which data to buy, keep or analyse first.
01 · Data choice
WGS, WES, SNP tests and provider exports
01Is WGS the broadest data source for Genome?
For broad coverage, WGS can support more Genome workflows than a SNP array or WES. What is usable still depends on coverage, file quality, reference data and the specific question.
Read more: Compare WGS, SNP and WES02Are 23andMe or Ancestry raw files enough?
They can answer questions about some tested markers, but cover selected sites rather than the genome. They do not replace sequencing data when a question needs broader coverage.
Read more: Understand SNP raw files03When is WES useful?
WES targets coding regions. WGS also samples non-coding regions, but neither guarantees a usable result at every position; assay design and coverage matter.
Read more: Open the comparison guide04Which provider files should I keep?
Keep the most complete exports available, especially FASTQ, BAM or CRAM and VCF. They preserve more future analysis options.
05What if I only have a small SNP export today?
You can still use it for narrow marker context. Treat it as a limited starting point, not as a replacement for a broader genome dataset.
02 · Privacy
Local file processing and optional public lookups
01Does Genome upload my DNA data?
Genome processes genomic files on your Mac and does not send them to PJ Labs. It needs no account and has no telemetry. Optional reference lookups may send requested rsIDs to public databases.
Read more: See the Genome overview02Do I need an account to use Genome?
No account is required. Genome processes supported files on your Mac and does not send them to PJ Labs. Optional reference lookups may send requested rsIDs to public databases.
03Can I prepare questions without uploading raw data?
Yes. The Wiki and FAQ explain data types, reports and limitations without asking you to upload genetic files.
Read more: Open the Wiki03 · Analysis
What Genome can and cannot extract
01What can Genome do with WGS data?
Depending on file quality and available references, Genome can support variant context, PGx, HLA and KIR context, repeat and report workflows.
Read more: Open Genome help02Can Genome analyse every medical question automatically?
No. Genome structures local data and reports, but it does not turn raw DNA into a complete diagnosis or treatment plan.
03Why do reference genome builds matter?
Coordinates and variant calls depend on the reference build. A GRCh37 file and a GRCh38 file can describe positions differently, so the build must be known.
Read more: Read about reference builds04Can old data be reinterpreted later?
Sometimes. Reanalysis depends on the files, metadata, tools and reference data still being available. Keeping original FASTQ, BAM/CRAM and VCF files can preserve more options than a small marker export.
04 · Reports
How to read findings and prepare conversations
01Does a Genome report replace medical advice?
No. A report can structure the next conversation, but medical decisions belong with qualified professionals.
02How should I read a Genome report?
Separate measurement, quality, interpretation and next step. A finding is not the same thing as a diagnosis.
Read more: Read the report guide03What should I bring to a medical conversation?
Bring the report section, the source file context, quality notes, open questions and the reason you want the finding discussed.
04What does a no-call or missing value mean?
It usually means the data or quality was not sufficient for that specific marker or region. It should not be read as a negative finding.
PJ Labs
Need the next step?
If you already have raw data, start in Genome. If you are still choosing a test, begin with the WGS guide and keep all provider exports.