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.
Sequencing depth changes resolution and interpretability. It does not convert a report into a medical service.
One sample · three different questions
Question it answers
What is present, and how is the community structured?
Reads out
Cannot resolve
Question it answers
Which species are present, and what could the community do?
Reads out
Cannot resolve
Question it answers
What was being expressed when the sample was taken?
Reads out
Cannot resolve
Not a ladder — no method supersedes another.
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. The VAMS BIOME architecture supports three sequencing methods; availability differs by ecosystem and is confirmed per implementation.
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.
Reads the 16S rRNA gene. A strong, genus-oriented starting point for baseline microbial composition and diversity, with limited functional inference.
Reads genomic DNA. Higher-resolution taxonomic context (species where coverage permits) and functional-potential pathways.
Reads RNA transcripts. Activity-context interpretation — what the community may be actively expressing. A planned layer in VAMS BIOME, not yet available.
16S rRNA sequencing reads one bacterial marker gene: cost-efficient, robust, genus-level composition and diversity. Shotgun whole-genome sequencing reads all DNA: finer taxonomy (species where coverage permits), other microbial domains where supported, and functional potential. Metatranscriptomics reads RNA: expression and activity context at the sampled timepoint, with tighter sample-handling requirements. They are three different questions — who is there, what could they do, what are they doing now — not three rungs of a ladder.
This is the distinction that keeps a scientifically layered test easy to choose. Package controls interpretation depth. Sequencing depth controls biological resolution. A method sets what data can be generated; the package sets how much of the report you receive.
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.
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.
Scores and Panels are report outputs. They are not sold as standalone products.
16S Foundation™ is the launch depth for a clear baseline. WGS Advanced™ is scoped for professional and research work, and MetaT Functional™ is a planned layer. Availability differs by ecosystem and is confirmed per implementation.
Further reading
Sequencing availability differs by ecosystem and is confirmed per implementation.
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.
Each ecosystem test supports its own set of sequencing depths and interpretation layers. Start with the ecosystem you want to understand.
Gut microbiome test — stool sample.
Explore GutX™Vaginal microbiome test — at-home swab.
Explore VagiX™Oral microbiome test — at-home oral sample.
Explore OralX™Skin microbiome test — skin swab.
Explore SkinX™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.
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; in VAMS BIOME it is a planned layer, not yet available.
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.
16S Foundation™ is a strong starting point for a baseline. WGS Advanced™ supports deeper taxonomic and functional-potential context and is scoped for professional and research work. MetaT Functional™ is a planned layer. Availability differs by ecosystem and is confirmed per implementation.
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.
Explore the ecosystem tests, compare sequencing methods, or use the quiz to find a starting point.
