What depth do we sequence to?
Kit processing & lab status · 2 min read · Updated 22 September 2026
In brief
Our criteria for releasing your sample is defined by its sequencing yield and coverage and depth
We aim to achieve 30X whole genome sequencing - the gold standard for clinical grade diagnosis. We calculate the passing criteria for ‘30X whole genome sequencing’ from sequencing yield:
Your human genome has 3.2Gbp (gigabase pairs) and a 30X is 30X passes over this entire span. Our target yield is therefore 3.2 x 30 = 96Gbp.
Some samples have higher non-autosomal coverage (such as mitochondial heteroplasmy), arrive at our lab deteriorated, contaminated, or contain low input DNA volume so we cannot guarantee the coverage. We will reach out to you if your sample will not provide viable sequencing output at our criteria.