How to Upload and Use AncestryDNA or 23andMe Raw Data

If you have taken a DNA test from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, or FamilyTreeDNA, your raw data file is ready to be used for pharmacogenomic analysis. The process takes a few minutes: download your raw data from the testing service, upload it to DecodeMyBio, and receive a Medication Safety Report based on your genetic variants and CPIC clinical guidelines.

This guide walks through the download steps for each supported service and explains what happens after you upload.

How to Download from 23andMe

• Log in to your account at 23andme.com
• Go to Settings (click your name in the top-right corner)
• Scroll to the "23andMe Data" section and select "Download Raw Data"
• Complete the two-step verification (you may need to re-enter your password and answer a security question)
• Click "Submit Request" — your download will be prepared and available within a few minutes
• Download the .zip file and save it to your computer

The downloaded .zip file contains a single text file with your genotype data. You can upload either the .zip or the extracted .txt file to DecodeMyBio.

How to Download from AncestryDNA

• Log in to your account at ancestry.com
• Click "DNA" in the top navigation bar
• Select "Settings" from the DNA menu
• Scroll to "Download Raw DNA Data" and click "Download"
• Confirm your identity through email verification
• Once the file is prepared, download the .zip file to your computer

AncestryDNA raw data files follow a similar format to 23andMe and are fully compatible with DecodeMyBio's analysis pipeline. For details on how each platform's data is processed, see our data sources page.

Other Supported Services

DecodeMyBio also accepts raw data from:

• MyHeritage DNA: Download from the DNA section of your MyHeritage account under "DNA Kit Settings."
• FamilyTreeDNA: Download from the "Results" section, then "Download Raw Data."

The pharmacogenomic variant coverage varies slightly between platforms. 23andMe and AncestryDNA tend to have the broadest coverage of pharmacogenomic SNPs, but all supported services include the variants needed for the most clinically important pharmacogenes.

What Happens After You Upload

When you upload your raw data file, DecodeMyBio's analysis pipeline runs through several steps automatically. First, the file is parsed to identify the source platform and extract your genotype data. Then, pharmacogenomically relevant variants are isolated from the hundreds of thousands of data points in your file.

These variants are mapped to star alleles using PharmVar-standardized allele definitions. Your star alleles determine your diplotype for each pharmacogene, which translates to a metabolizer phenotype. Finally, each phenotype is matched against CPIC clinical guidelines to identify drug-gene interactions — for example, your CYP2D6 results determine how you metabolize 25% of prescribed drugs including antidepressants and opioids. For a deeper look at which genes are covered and the clinical guidelines applied, see pharmacogenomics from raw DNA data. For the full technical details, see our methodology and how pharmacogenomic testing works.

What Your Report Includes

Your Medication Safety Report covers:

• Gene-by-gene results: Your diplotype and metabolizer phenotype for each analyzed pharmacogene, including CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, DPYD, TPMT, and others.
• Drug-gene interactions: Specific medications affected by your genotype, with CPIC evidence levels and clinical recommendations — for example, how your CYP2C19 status affects clopidogrel activation.
• Shareable PDF: A formatted report designed to be shared with your healthcare provider.

For guidance on reading each section, see Understanding Your Medication Safety Report. For information on the inherent limitations of consumer-grade pharmacogenomic analysis, review our limitations page before sharing results with your provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format do I need to upload?

DecodeMyBio accepts the standard raw data export files from supported platforms. These are typically .txt or .csv files (often inside a .zip archive). You can upload either the .zip file or the extracted text file directly.

How long does the analysis take?

Your Medication Safety Report is typically generated within minutes of uploading your file. The exact time depends on file size and current processing load, but most reports are ready almost immediately.

Which DNA testing services are supported?

DecodeMyBio supports raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA. If you have data from a different genotyping service, the platform will indicate whether the file format is compatible during upload.

Do I need to download my raw data, or can DecodeMyBio access my account directly?

You need to download your raw data file yourself and then upload it. DecodeMyBio does not access your 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or other accounts directly. This keeps you in full control of your genetic data.

Can I upload data for a family member?

You should only upload DNA data with the informed consent of the person whose data it is. Each report reflects one individual's pharmacogenomic profile.

What if my raw data file is from an older version of the test?

Older genotyping array versions may cover fewer pharmacogenomic variants, which could result in fewer genes being reportable. DecodeMyBio will analyze whatever variants are present in your file and note when data is insufficient for a particular gene.