Question 1

What is a DNA second opinion?

Accepted Answer

A DNA second opinion means uploading the raw data you already have from a consumer DNA test and getting a new, readable report about it, without buying another spit kit. My Gene Story turns that file into a plain-English DNA Story covering everyday traits like nutrition and fitness. It is educational wellness insight, not medical advice. Think of it as a fresh read of the same data. Your original provider already genotyped your sample; we focus on explaining what that file can say about day-to-day traits in clear language. Ready to try it? Start at /upload.

Question 2

What is My Gene Story?

Accepted Answer

My Gene Story is an online service that reads the DNA raw data file you already own and turns it into a clearer personal story about your traits. You upload a file from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, or LivingDNA. There is no new kit, no lab visit, and no subscription for the DNA path. Our reports are written for curiosity and everyday wellness decisions: how you might respond to certain foods, training styles, sleep habits, and more. They are informational, not medical advice.

Question 3

Can I upload 23andMe or AncestryDNA raw data?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Download your raw data file from your 23andMe or AncestryDNA account, unzip it if it arrives as a .zip, and upload the .txt file at mygenestory.com/upload. We also accept raw data from MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, and LivingDNA. Your file stays yours, and we don't sell genetic data. Step-by-step guides: How to Download and Upload 23andMe Raw Data (/blog/upload-23andme-raw-data) and How to Upload AncestryDNA Raw Data (/blog/upload-ancestrydna-raw-data).

Question 4

Which file formats do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept raw data text files from the major consumer DNA services: 23andMe (.txt), AncestryDNA (.txt), MyHeritage (.csv), FamilyTreeDNA (.csv), and LivingDNA (.txt). Tab-separated .tsv files also work. Files can be up to 50 MB. If your download arrives zipped, unzip it first and upload the file inside. If you tested somewhere else and your file lists rsIDs (lines starting with "rs" followed by numbers), email ask@mygenestory.com and we'll tell you whether it can be read.

Question 5

Where do I find my raw data file?

Accepted Answer

Sign in to the DNA service you tested with and look in account or DNA settings for an option such as "Download raw data" or "Download DNA data." Most services email you a download link once the file is ready. Save the file to your computer, unzip it if needed, then upload it at mygenestory.com/upload. Timing is set by your provider, not us. AncestryDNA says its email can take up to 24 hours; 23andMe says a request usually takes about a week and can take up to 30 days. Menu names change from time to time, so check your provider's help center if a button has moved.

Question 6

Do I need to buy a new DNA kit?

Accepted Answer

No. The DNA path at My Gene Story works entirely from a raw data file you already have. If you have tested with 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, or LivingDNA, you can download that file and upload it. There is no new spit kit, no swab, and nothing to mail back for your DNA Story. Our gut microbiome kit and deeper sequencing options are not available yet. Both are interest lists only (see below).

Question 7

What happens after I upload?

Accepted Answer

Your browser checks the file format first, so obvious mix-ups are caught before anything is sent. Then we confirm your upload and show you a receipt number. In this early version, your file stays on your device. Leave your email on the upload page and we'll let you know when stories open. You can browse optional trait reports at any time. Keep your receipt number in case you need to contact us about a specific upload.

Question 8

How long does my DNA Story take?

Accepted Answer

We don't publish a fixed turnaround time yet. After you upload, you'll see a receipt confirming your upload. In this early version, your file stays on your device. Leave your email on the upload page and we'll let you know when stories open. We'd rather tell you honestly when they're ready than promise a date we haven't measured. Questions in the meantime? Write to ask@mygenestory.com.

Question 9

How much does My Gene Story cost?

Accepted Answer

Your DNA Story is $24.99, made from a raw data file you already have, so there's no kit cost. Optional single-topic trait reports are about $9.99 each, and Ancestry Insights is an optional $19.99 add-on. You only pay for what you choose. Joining the gut or deeper sequencing interest lists is free. Prices are in US dollars and shown at checkout before you pay. See /pricing and /reports for the current list.

Question 10

Do I need Ancestry Insights to upload or get my DNA Story?

Accepted Answer

No. Ancestry Insights is an optional $19.99 add-on that adds heritage context next to your DNA Story, built from the same raw file. You don't need it to upload, and you don't need it to receive your DNA Story. Add it only if heritage context interests you. It is wellness context, not a citizenship or legal record.

Question 11

Do I need to buy trait reports?

Accepted Answer

No. Trait reports are optional extras for people who want more detail on one topic, such as nutrition, fitness, or sleep. They're about $9.99 each and sit alongside your DNA Story rather than replacing it. You can upload and receive your DNA Story without buying any trait report, and add one later if you're curious. Browse the current list at /reports.

Question 12

Do you sell my genetic data?

Accepted Answer

No. We don't sell your genetic data. You decide which file to upload and when. In this early version, your file stays on your device after you confirm your upload. Our privacy policy at mygenestory.com/privacy explains what we collect and how we use it.

Question 13

Is it safe to upload my DNA raw data?

Accepted Answer

Uploading any personal data carries some risk, so it's worth being deliberate. Download your raw file on a personal device, not a shared computer, and upload it only to services whose privacy terms you've read. At My Gene Story we don't sell genetic data, we check your file's format in your browser first, and in this early version your file stays on your device. Once you download a raw file, your original provider's security no longer covers that copy, so store it somewhere private and delete stray copies you don't need.

Question 14

Is My Gene Story a medical test?

Accepted Answer

No. My Gene Story reports are for personal education and everyday wellness curiosity. They are not medical advice and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have a health concern, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Use your story as one input alongside how you actually feel and live.

Question 15

How should I read a genetic "likelihood" in my report?

Accepted Answer

Read it like a weather forecast. A forecast of 70% chance of rain doesn't mean it will rain, and a genetic tendency doesn't mean a trait is fixed. Your genes are one input; sleep, food, activity, and environment matter too. Use likelihoods to get curious about small experiments, not as verdicts about you. Most consumer DNA files measure hundreds of thousands of common markers, not your entire genome, which is another reason results describe tendencies rather than certainties.

Question 16

Do you ship a gut microbiome kit today?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. Our gut microbiome kit is on an early-bird interest list. Leave your email and shipping country at mygenestory.com/waitlist/gut, and we'll let you know when kits open for your region. Joining is free, there's no charge today, and we'll use your email only for gut kit updates. We're not sharing a launch date or price yet, and we won't ask for payment until kits are actually available in your country.

Question 17

When will deeper sequencing be available?

Accepted Answer

Deeper sequencing is on a single notify list. We're planning richer sequencing options for people who want more than standard DNA test data, but pricing and timing aren't public yet. Leave your email and country at mygenestory.com/waitlist/genome, and we'll update you when an option opens for your region. Joining is free.

Question 18

Will joining a waitlist cost anything?

Accepted Answer

No. Joining the gut microbiome or deeper sequencing interest list is free and doesn't commit you to buy anything. We ask for your email and shipping country so we can tell you when something opens in your region. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails.

Question 19

How do I contact My Gene Story?

Accepted Answer

Email ask@mygenestory.com or text +1 484-263-4121. Include your upload receipt number if your question is about a specific file, and we'll reply as soon as we can. For privacy questions, email the same address with "Privacy" in the subject line so it reaches the right person quickly.

DNA upload FAQ

About My Gene Story

Uploading your file

Pricing and reports

Privacy and your data

Reading your results

Coming soon: gut and deeper sequencing

Contact