Same DNA, different readings
It's common to receive your helixXY reports and notice that a specific trait shows a different result from what your sequencing lab (such as 23andMe, Genera, MyHeritage, Ancestry, or meuDNA) reported. At first glance it might look like a contradiction or an error, but in the vast majority of cases both results are technically correct. They simply reflect different interpretations of the same genetic data.
Your DNA does not change over your lifetime, and the file you uploaded is the exact same one used by the original lab. What differs is the scientific method applied to translate that raw information into a practical answer about each trait.
Think of your DNA sequence as a literary text. Two critics can analyze the same book using different methods and reach different conclusions without either being wrong. The same is true for genetic interpretation.
The main reasons for the difference
Different reference studies
Each platform decides which genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to use as a basis for each trait. One lab might have implemented an analysis based on a 2015 study with 50,000 participants, while helixXY uses a more recent meta-analysis with over 1 million. Different results can appear simply because the scientific literature has evolved since the original report was published.
Polygenic score vs. single variant
Many labs provide analyses based on a single SNP or a small handful of well-known variants for a given trait. helixXY frequently uses polygenic risk scores (PRS), which combine the effect of hundreds or thousands of variants into a single score. A PRS can classify you differently from a single-SNP analysis, especially when you carry variants that pull in opposite directions.
Different reference populations
Genetic results are always presented relative to some reference population. If your original lab compared you against a mostly European population while helixXY uses a more diverse one (or vice versa), your percentile can shift significantly even though the underlying genotypes are exactly the same.
Automatic updates vs. static reports
When you download a report from the original lab, it is a snapshot of the science at that moment. helixXY updates your reports automatically as new scientific findings are validated. If a variant linked to a trait gained or lost relevance in recent studies, your result may change to follow the evidence. Learn more in Automatic report updates.
Different thresholds and categories
Platforms use different cut-off points to classify a result as "low", "typical", "elevated", and so on. A percentile of 65 can be labeled "elevated" on one platform and "typical" on another. The underlying score may be nearly identical; what changed is the label.
Genotyping chip, imputation, and genome version
Every lab uses a genotyping chip with a specific set of variants. If a SNP relevant to a trait is not covered by your chip, it has to be imputed (statistically inferred) from neighboring variants. Different imputation algorithms, reference panels, and human-genome versions (GRCh37 vs. GRCh38) can produce slightly different results for the same region of DNA.
What to do when results diverge
If you spot a difference and want to understand it better, we recommend the following steps:
- Check the result category. Often the difference is only in the label (threshold) and not in the underlying score. Two scores of 65 and 68 may show up as "typical" and "elevated" even though they are practically the same.
- Look at the variants used. Every helixXY report lists the specific variants analyzed, with rsID and your genotype. Compare with whatever the other lab used, if that information is available.
- Read the scientific evidence. The "What the science says" section in each report indicates the level of evidence (strong, moderate, emerging). Traits with weaker evidence tend to vary more between platforms.
- Consider the update history. If your original report is old, it likely reflects outdated science. helixXY keeps your reports current with the latest findings.
- For clinical questions, consult a professional. For traits with health implications, a geneticist or doctor can interpret both reports and recommend the best course of action for your case.
Tip: Genetics is one piece of the puzzle. Even between consistent reports, real-world impact depends on lifestyle, environment, age, and family history. Treat every result as guidance, not as a diagnosis.
Frequently asked questions
Which result is correct?
In general, neither is "wrong". Both start from your real DNA but use different scientific methods. Think of them as two medical opinions on the same exam: they agree most of the time and can occasionally diverge, depending on the approach.
How do I know which method is more reliable for a specific trait?
When a well-validated polygenic score exists, it tends to be more accurate than a single-variant analysis, because it captures the joint effect of many variants. helixXY indicates in each report the type of model used and the number of variants included, so you can compare directly.
Can I see exactly which SNPs helixXY analyzed?
Yes. Every report has a "Your genetic variants" section listing the specific variants (rsIDs), your detected genotype, and the associated effect of each one. This lets you compare directly with any other report that lists the same details.
What if the two results are completely opposite?
It's rare but it can happen, especially for traits with emerging evidence or when one platform uses a single variant and the other uses a polygenic score. In these cases, we recommend looking at the scientific evidence noted in your helixXY report and, if the trait has clinical relevance, consulting a healthcare professional for interpretation.
Why is my percentile different?
The percentile depends on the reference population. Platforms use different cohorts and sometimes adjust for ancestry. Even with the same raw score, your percentile can shift based on the composition of the comparison group.
Do you use the same human genome version as other labs?
helixXY works with the current standard for genomic research and automatically converts files uploaded in earlier versions. You don't have to do anything; the conversion happens behind the scenes. Internally, all variants are normalized to ensure consistency across uploaded files.
Should I trust the helixXY result over my original lab's?
We didn't build helixXY to "replace" your lab's report, but to complement it. Our goal is to offer deeper analyses based on up-to-date scientific literature and modern polygenic scores, always with transparency about the data and studies used.
If I upload my file again, will the result change?
No. Re-uploading the same file produces the same results, because it's the same DNA. Results only change when helixXY incorporates new scientific findings, and that happens automatically for every user affected by the update.
In short
Differences between helixXY's results and your original lab's are expected, and they reflect the constant evolution of genetic science. The DNA is the same; what changes is the reading method. helixXY is committed to transparency: every report clearly indicates the variants used, the supporting scientific evidence, and the type of model applied, so you can understand exactly where each result comes from.
If you still have questions about a specific difference, reach out to our team and we'll be happy to help clarify.