Whole Genome Sequencing vs. SNP Panels: Which Test Is Right for Your Patient?
Two fundamentally different approaches to genetic testing, with different capabilities and use cases.
Practitioners ordering genetic testing face a fundamental choice: SNP-based genotyping arrays or whole genome sequencing. Both produce genetic data; neither is universally superior.
SNP Panels
Advantages: lower cost, rapid turnaround, well-validated pipelines, appropriate for population screening.
Limitations: limited to known variants; cannot detect novel mutations, structural variants, or copy number variations; underperform in underrepresented populations.
Whole Genome Sequencing
Advantages: comprehensive variant detection including rare and novel variants; detects structural variants; re-analysable as genomic knowledge expands; single test for all genetic questions.
Limitations: higher cost; larger data volumes; may generate variants of uncertain significance requiring careful communication.
Clinical Recommendation
For patients seeking comprehensive, once-in-a-lifetime genetic profiling — the standard Studio23 recommends — WGS provides unmatched depth and future-proofing. The choice should be guided by clinical objectives, not cost alone.
