You Can Get Your Whole Genome Sequenced. But Should You?

There are 3 billion ways for something to go wrong with your DNA. But diseases caused by an error to a single gene—what geneticists call “big ticket” mutations—are quite rare. That’s why doctors don’t routinely recommend whole genome sequencing. But as the cost of sequencing continues to plummet and companies offer more and more ways for consumers to peer into their DNA, physicians are trying to figure out how genetic data might work into your next check-up. Can these tests really help people improve their health?