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Getting your entire genome sequenced is more affordable than ever before thanks to whole genome sequencing services like Nebula Genomics.
You may be familiar with companies like 23andme and AncestryDNA that offer DNA test kits you can do at home. While they give you an interesting ancestry analysis and some facts about your DNA, you’re actually only getting information about 0.02% of your genome!
That’s right, these genetic testing companies do not sequence your entire genome – only a very small fraction of it. That’s because they use something called genotyping, not sequencing, to analyze your DNA.
They claim DNA sequencing technology is too expensive for the average person, but Nebula Genomics has changed all of that with their personal genome sequencing service.
Now, you can get 30x whole genome sequencing from Nebula Genomics for just a little bit more than you’d pay for one of those other DNA testing companies.
Why Nebula Genomics?
I spent a lot of time researching the various genetic testing services out there. Most of these genetic tests do not cover the entire genome – there are only a handful that actually do.
I came to the conclusion that Nebula offers the best product and ongoing service. Here are a few of the reasons the personal genomics company I chose to try first is Nebula (besides the fact that they gave me a discount on a kit to review).
30x whole genome sequencing.
Nebula Genomics sequences all 20,000 of the genes in the human genome 30 times so you can get information about all of your genetic variants. This includes both the whole exome and mitochondrial DNA as well.
If you need even higher coverage, you can upgrade and have your genome sequenced 100 times. This option is great for people who are working with their doctor in a clinical setting to search for rare DNA variants or who have a family history of a rare disease.
Ability to explore genetic information.
Nebula Explore gives you some pretty amazing analysis tools to explore your genome, including:
1. The Gene Analysis Tool that allows you to examine any gene.
2. The Variant Search Tool allows you to search your genome for specific genetic variants.
3. The Genome Browser enables you to look directly at your nucleic acid sequence.
You can also download your FASTQ, BAM, and VCF files to dig even deeper into your health data or share with your geneticist or doctor.
Medical research library with weekly updates.
If you want more than raw data, the Nebula Research Library has some really cool personalized reports so you can better understand your personal genome. Right now, there are more than 200 research-based reports available and more are added each week as new research is published.
You can pay for a monthly, annual or lifetime subscription for access to these reports. I opted for a lifetime membership because that guarantees I’ll get all of their new reports as more scientific discoveries are made.
Is Nebula Genomics worth it?
In my opinion, yes. While you do have to pay a subscription fee if you want access to the latest reports, having your personal DNA data in your hands can be priceless.
They even have a cool free tool where you can upload your data from another service like 23 and me into their analysis tool to try it out.
You can see a Nebula Genomics sample report to get a feel for how you’ll be able to access your genetic data through the Nebula Exploree tool as well. I’m very excited to get access to all of the reports once my sample is processed.
I have privacy concerns… is Nebula Genomics safe?
Yes, Nebula takes the privacy of your genomic data very seriously. They do not sell your personal information or share it with anyone without your permission.
And while they do partner with some companies for clinical trials, you have to opt into those opportunities. Your personal data isn’t automatically included… because it’s your data.
They’re also working on a partnership with Oasis Labs to improve the security of, and give you greater control over, your personal genomic data through a new secure data management platform.
Nebula Genomics isn’t a fly-by-night or scam company either. Geneticist George Church, the founder of Nebula Genomics, is a professor at Harvard Medical School and a pioneer in the industry. The company is also based here in the US (in San Francisco).
How much does full genome sequencing cost?
You can currently get 30x whole genome sequencing for $299 through Nebula Genomics. The 100x sequencing kit is currently $999.
The optional monthly subscription is $19.99 per month with a discount if you pay for one year up front. The lifetime membership is on sale for $200, which is really the best deal!
Nebula Genomics review
I ordered my DNA test kit and it arrived a few days later at the post office (they ship through USPS). It comes with everything you need to collect your own DNA sample.
It was just as easy to do as any of the other kits I have done in the past. You just collect the DNA sample with the enclosed swab following the instructions in the box.
Then you package it up and take it to the post office with the included mailing label. It was such an easy process.
Now I wait for the test results, which should take 2-3 months, then the real fun begins. I’ll be sure to update my review of the data analysis tools when I get my DNA results.
If you have thought about ordering a DNA Test Kit, I recommend the whole genome sequencing service from Nebula Genomics.
