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Raw DNA health guide

Can I use 23andMe raw data for a health report?

Often, yes, if you have downloaded the raw data file and the marker coverage is suitable. The result should be treated as prevention and discussion support, not as a diagnosis or a replacement for clinical genetic testing.

By Alex de Giorgio, PhD · Updated

Short answer

Often, yes, if you have downloaded the raw data file and the marker coverage is suitable. The result should be treated as prevention and discussion support, not as a diagnosis or a replacement for clinical genetic testing.

What 23andMe raw data can support

A 23andMe raw-data file can contain enough markers to review selected health-related genetic signals, polygenic tendencies, medication-response context, and carrier-style markers when the evidence and coverage are appropriate.

  • Useful prevention questions, such as what may be worth checking or discussing.
  • Context-aware interpretation when family history, labs, medications, and screening status are considered.
  • A clear split between actionable findings, background context, and signals that should not drive decisions alone.

What it cannot responsibly do

Raw consumer DNA data is not the same as diagnostic sequencing. It can have missing markers, strand/build issues, chip-version gaps, and false positives. Important medical decisions should rely on clinical confirmation where appropriate.

How Spoke checks file fit

You can choose and buy a report before finding the file. After secure upload, Spoke checks the exact file before analysis can start. If you already have the file, the optional browser check can look at its source, shape, and a marker sample without retaining it.

Common questions

Do I need to upload my 23andMe file on the public page?

No. The public fit check does not store your genome file. Secure upload happens later through the portal after consent.

Can this replace clinical genetic testing?

No. It can help organize prevention questions, but it does not replace diagnostic testing, clinician review, or medication advice.

Editorial receipt

Who wrote and checked this guide

Written and scientifically reviewed by Alex de Giorgio, PhD. PhD in Cancer Research, Imperial College London.

Published · Reviewed and updated · Sources checked .

Scope and limits

This guide can help with

  • When a 23andMe raw-data export may support careful health interpretation.
  • Why file fit and clinical confirmation boundaries matter.

This guide cannot answer

  • Whether a specific marker is medically diagnostic.
  • Whether your individual file is compatible without checking it.

Primary sources

Original Spoke artifact

Anonymised sample report

A three-gate checklist for deciding whether a 23andMe file can support responsible interpretation.

  1. File gate: use the original downloaded raw-data export.
  2. Coverage gate: check that the file contains enough relevant markers for the intended report.
  3. Clinical gate: confirm findings that could affect screening, treatment, medication, or family planning.

Open the supporting artifact

Related reading

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