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Microbiome sequencing

Microbiome sequencing

Understand how 16S Foundation™, WGS Advanced™, and MetaT Functional™ sequencing set the biological resolution of a microbiome report — and how that differs from your ATLAS™ interpretation package.

  • 16S Foundation™
  • WGS Advanced™
  • MetaT Functional™
  • Method sets biological resolution
  • Package sets interpretation depth
  • Educational microbiome interpretation
Compare Sequencing Methods Explore Tests View Sample Report →

Sequencing depth changes resolution and interpretability. It does not convert a report into a medical service.

01

What is microbiome sequencing?

Microbiome sequencing reads the genetic material in a sample to profile which microbes are present and, depending on the method, what they may be capable of or actively doing. Different sequencing methods generate different types of microbial information — this is what sets the biological resolution of a report. VAMS BIOME offers three sequencing depths across its ecosystem tests.

02

The three sequencing depths

Each method reads the sample differently and supports a different level of taxonomic and functional context. Availability depends on the product, sample type, and workflow.

16S Foundation™

Reads the 16S rRNA gene. A strong, genus-oriented starting point for baseline microbial composition and diversity, with limited functional inference.

WGS Advanced™

Reads genomic DNA. Higher-resolution taxonomic context (species/strain where supported) and functional-potential pathways.

MetaT Functional™

Reads RNA transcripts. Activity-context interpretation — what the community may be actively expressing — where compatible with the sample type and workflow.

03

Sequencing depth is not the same as your report package

This is the distinction that keeps a scientifically layered test easy to buy. Package controls interpretation depth. Sequencing depth controls biological resolution and can be adjusted in the configurator. A method sets what data can be generated; the package sets how much of the report you receive.

  • Sequencing depth (16S / WGS / MetaT) = biological data resolution
  • Package (Essential Profile / ATLAS Core / ATLAS Plus) = interpretation depth
  • Foundation Pack = the included ATLAS™ ecosystem interpretation layer
  • Insight Packs = optional thematic interpretation modules
  • Scores and Panels = report outputs inside packs, not standalone products

16S Foundation™, WGS Advanced™, and MetaT Functional™ describe method depth. Essential Profile, ATLAS Core, and ATLAS Plus describe report interpretation depth. They are never the same thing.

04

What VAMS ATLAS™ adds on top of sequencing

Sequencing generates the microbial data; VAMS ATLAS™ organizes it into a structured report. Foundation Packs provide core ecosystem interpretation, Scores summarize focused microbial patterns, Panels group related scores into biological domains, and Insight Packs add deeper thematic interpretation where the selected method supports it.

  • Foundation Pack
  • Scores
  • Panels
  • Insight Packs
  • Confidence indicators
  • Longitudinal tracking views

Scores and Panels are report outputs. They are not sold as standalone products.

Explore ATLAS™

05

Which sequencing depth should I choose?

Most people start with 16S Foundation™ for a clear baseline and move to higher resolution when they want deeper context. The configurator confirms which depths are available for your selected product and package.

  • 16S Foundation™ — a strong first baseline for composition and diversity
  • WGS Advanced™ — deeper taxonomic and functional-potential context where supported
  • MetaT Functional™ — activity-context interpretation where compatible

Final sequencing availability and compatible options are confirmed in the configurator before checkout.

Compare Sequencing Methods

06

See how sequencing becomes a structured report

A VAMS BIOME report turns sequencing-derived microbial features into views that are easier to navigate — including composition, diversity context, ATLAS™ layers, confidence indicators, method notes, and sample-specific limitations.

Sample report previews use illustrative data. Actual report content depends on the selected product, package, sequencing depth, data quality, and compatible interpretation layers.

View Sample Report

07

Explore microbiome sequencing by ecosystem

Each ecosystem test supports its own set of sequencing depths and interpretation layers. Start with the ecosystem you want to understand.

FAQ

Microbiome sequencing — frequently asked questions

What is microbiome sequencing?

Microbiome sequencing reads the genetic material in a sample to profile which microbes are present and, depending on the method, their functional potential or activity. The method determines the biological resolution of the resulting report.

What is the difference between 16S, WGS, and MetaT?

16S Foundation™ reads the 16S rRNA gene for genus-oriented baseline composition. WGS Advanced™ reads genomic DNA for higher-resolution taxonomy and functional-potential context. MetaT Functional™ reads RNA transcripts for activity-context interpretation where compatible.

Is sequencing depth the same as my report package?

No. Sequencing depth controls biological resolution — what data can be generated. Your package controls interpretation depth — how much of the report you receive. VAMS BIOME keeps these separate; a method is never the same as a package.

Which sequencing depth should I choose?

16S Foundation™ is a strong starting point for a baseline. WGS Advanced™ supports deeper taxonomic and functional-potential context where available. MetaT Functional™ supports activity-context interpretation where compatible. The configurator confirms which depths are available for your selection.

Does deeper sequencing make it a medical test?

No. Sequencing depth changes resolution and interpretability. It does not convert a report into a medical service. VAMS BIOME reports are for educational microbiome interpretation, not personal medical decisions.

More

Continue exploring microbiome testing

Choose a test, then choose your sequencing depth

Explore the ecosystem tests, compare sequencing methods, or use the quiz to find a starting point. Sequencing depth is confirmed in the configurator.

Explore Tests Compare Sequencing Methods Take the Quiz →