BioDecode Articles
A collection of guides explaining genome analysis, DNA data files, and genetic variant interpretation, including resources on ClinVar and VCF files.
Analyze 23andme Raw Data
Download your 23andMe raw data, understand what the file really contains, and check it for health-relevant variants — without uploading it to anyone.
Read articleAncestrydna Raw Data
Export your AncestryDNA raw data, learn what the file's columns mean, and check it against ClinVar locally — no third-party uploads required.
Read articleIs It Safe To Upload Your DNA
Uploading your raw DNA to a website is convenient but irreversible. Learn what the law protects, what has gone wrong, and why local analysis avoids the risk.
Read articleFind Pathogenic Variants In Raw DNA
What 'pathogenic' really means, how ClinVar classifies variants, and how to check your raw DNA for flagged markers without over-interpreting the result.
Read articleVariant Not Found In ClinVar
Got no exact ClinVar match for a VCF position, rsID, or HGVS-style name? Use this non-diagnostic checklist before assuming the database or file is wrong.
Read articleRsID Vs HGVS
A practical, non-diagnostic guide to matching rsID, HGVS, CHROM:POS:REF:ALT, and ClinVar identifiers when reviewing genome file rows.
Read articleGRCh37 Vs GRCh38
Learn how GRCh37 vs GRCh38 affects variant lookup, where to find build clues, and why CHROM, POS, REF, and ALT should be checked before using ClinVar context.
Read articleVCF Columns Explained
A plain-English guide to VCF columns, using one fictional row to explain variant identity, call quality, INFO fields, and cautious ClinVar context.
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