Frequently Asked Questions

Is my DNA data safe?

Varia reads your DNA file on your personal device. The file is never sent to us. The analysis runs entirely in your browser. We never receive your DNA data.

Do I have to rescan every time I come back?

Yes, and that is by design. Varia never stores your genome or your results on a server, so when you return you reload your file from your own device and rescan. It takes seconds. Full results are free each time you scan. A genome we never store is one that can never be breached. Why we don't store your data

How do I get my DNA data file?

Most testing companies let you download a raw data file from your account settings. Varia accepts 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and common WGS formats. See the full walkthrough at How to get your raw DNA data file.

Can I scan a family member's DNA file?

Yes. Varia analyzes whatever DNA file you give it; the file does not have to be yours. People commonly run Varia on a parent's file, a partner's file, or an adult child's file. Scans and re-scans are free.

A DNA file contains genetic information that is meaningful for the person it came from and for their blood relatives. Scanning someone else's file means you will see their genetic predispositions, including ones they may not have known they have. Treat that information with the same discretion you would treat any medical record. If the person whose file you're scanning is a competent adult, getting their consent before scanning is the right default. If the person is a minor child or a parent with cognitive decline who can no longer consent meaningfully, the decision is yours to make as the responsible adult; Varia takes no position on what's appropriate in that situation.

The second is purely operational: Varia has no concept of "whose file this is." Each scan overwrites the previous one in your browser session. If you want to keep both scans accessible, download the Varia Genomic Brief from each scan separately.

What file formats are supported?

Compressed or plain VCF (.vcf.gz, .vcf), and consumer chip raw files from 23andMe (.txt), AncestryDNA (.txt), and MyHeritage (.csv inside a .zip). See the formats guide for downloads.

Do I need to create an account?

No login is required to run a free scan. An optional free account stores only your name and email so you can sync preferences across devices. Your genome is never stored.

What's the difference between a 23andMe scan and a WGS?

Consumer chip arrays genotype a fixed panel of SNPs; whole-genome sequencing reads far more of your genome. See The Genome for how scan types differ and what Varia can read from each.

How does Varia inform medication decisions?

Varia surfaces pharmacogenomic variants when they appear in your file, with citations and significance tiers. It does not prescribe or replace clinical judgment. See Medication Response for what Varia reports and what to discuss with your physician.

What sources does Varia cite?

Peer-reviewed literature, variant catalogs, and clinical guidelines listed on our Sources page, with editorial standards at Editorial Standards.

Is the scan free?

Yes. Scanning, the existence preview, your interactive dashboard, and the Varia Genomic Brief are all free. The preview confirms the scan ran and shows how many variants we found across your 6 health areas before you view full results.

If you find anything that does not work the way you expect, email [email protected].

Is there a subscription or any recurring charge?

No. Varia is free. There is no subscription and no recurring charge.

Re-run a scan anytime for free as the database grows.

What do I get with Varia?

The full interactive Varia dashboard (all 64 variants across 6 health areas with significance tiers, citations, and the Medication Response view), plus a downloadable Varia Genomic Brief in PDF and HTML formats with Consumer and Physician sections. See the sample report and what is included.

How often does the database update?

We review published genomic research monthly and add newly validated variants when they meet our evidence standard. Re-scan your file anytime for free to see new interpretations.