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. What Varia does remember, on the browser you used, is that you unlocked, so you never pay twice. On a new device, sign in to restore your unlock, then rescan your file.

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; unlocks are per file if you choose to purchase one.

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, complete the unlock for each and 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, email, and purchase status so you can restore your unlock on a new device. 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 is always free; the free preview confirms the scan ran and shows you how many variants we found across how many of your 12 domains. Unlocking the interactive dashboard and Varia Genomic Brief is $29 one-time, or $12 for the first 100 unlocks (the founding rate, locked in permanently for Early Adopters). No subscription.

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

What happens after the first 100 founding unlocks?

After the 100-cap fills, new unlocks are $29 one-time. If you unlocked at the $12 founding rate among the first 100, you are an Early Adopter and keep $12 on future unlocks.

Re-run a scan anytime for free. Use My account to confirm Early Adopter status and restore your unlock.

What do I get with the $29 unlock?

Two things: the full interactive Varia dashboard (all 49 variants across 12 domains with significance tiers, citations, and the Medication Response view), and a downloadable Varia Genomic Brief in PDF and HTML formats with Consumer and Physician sections. One purchase, both deliverables. See the sample report and pricing.

How do I become a Varia Early Adopter?

Be among the first 100 people to complete a paid unlock at the $12 founding rate and provide your email at checkout. Early Adopter status ($12 per unlock on future purchases) is recorded against that email. Details at the Early Adopter program and waitlist.

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.

Are refunds available?

See the Refund Policy for PDF purchases.

Can I get a refund for a PDF?

PDF purchases follow the Refund Policy. Contact [email protected] for billing errors.