Livewello: Raw DNA Analysis Review

Key Takeaways

• Users found Livewello detailed but sometimes complex to navigate - Jump to Section

Our verdict: I was impressed with Livewello’s reports and that many of them were free. However, it did take me a second to learn how to navigate the site, which made learning more about my personal DNA analysis a little more difficult.

Still, Livewello taught me more about my genetic predispositions to various diseases but in a digestible way. I’m happy their reports weren’t so jargon-heavy, even for someone like me who enjoys taking DNA tests. A few of them were even free, though there’s a limit to the free reports.

Limited free access is a pretty common feature in many DNA testing services, but I do wish they’d included a few more reports at no cost.

If you want to try Livewello, take note that it claims to have the following:

• A gene library with hundreds of health reports
• A ​Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) tool covering 52,000 genetic variants linked to health conditions
• A “Gene Template Builder” for personalized gene reports

Note that Livewello does not offer its own DNA testing kit. It’s a platform for you to upload raw DNA data instead. So, if you already have data from another testing company, you can upload it on Livewello for more reports and analyses.

Livewello Product Review Summary

We read hundreds of Livewello reviews and observed these pros and cons were the most commonly shared by users:

Pros

• Thoroughly examined raw genetic data to reveal personal health information about thousands of health-related genetic markers
• Provided updated reports as new genetic markers are found
• Offered access to a library of free health reports to assist in exploring various aspects of your genetics
• Allowed the creation of personalized pages depending on your health interests
• Allowed tracking of laboratory results for better health management
• Allowed uploading of raw DNA data from other companies (so you don’t have to spend for another test—if you already have your data from another company, you can use it here)

Cons

• Some features and health data can be tricky to navigate, especially if you’re new to genetic analysis
• Livewello doesn’t offer DNA testing
• Limited raw data in standard reports and required added cost for more comprehensive reports
• You’re limited to only one upload of raw DNA data per account made in the basic plan, which may not be ideal for those with several DNA data files from different companies

What Services Does Livewello Offer?

Livewello lets you upload your raw DNA data so they can analyze it and generate reports and genetic insights based on your genetic makeup.

There are three subscription plans you can choose from to do this:

• Basic Plan – Offers the ability to upload one genetic data file, store up to one gigabyte of data, and access GeneChat with a monthly token allowance for interactions
• Premium Plan – Allows you to upload up to three genetic data files, including whole genome data, and provides increased storage and GeneChat tokens
• Premium Plus Plan – Designed for small groups or practices, this plan supports up to five genetic data files, offers the highest storage capacity, and the most GeneChat tokens per month

Livewello also has some unique tools you can take advantage of, such as:

• GeneChat – An AI-powered chat interface that allows users to ask about health conditions, any medication compatibility, and to receive wellness advice based on their genetics
• Custom Genotype Reports – Advanced users and health professionals can create detailed, personalized genotype reports that let them deep dive into genetic analysis with custom queries and comprehensive insights
• Curated Health Reports– Tailor-made articles and reports on genetic conditions that may clue a user in on how they need to change their lifestyle

Livewello’s Genetic Analysis: What Can You Expect?

When I got my DNA data analyzed by Livewello, this is what I experienced:

• A pretty comprehensive genetic analysis of my raw data. I learned a lot about my genetic predispositions through in-depth reports on thousands of disease-related genetic markers called single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs. There were some on there that I didn’t expect at all.
• Livewello let me know about their learning resources, which are all on the website, too. I found this super helpful as I didn’t need to do any external research or leave the website much at all to find out more.
• Regular updates as new genetic markers and research surface. I read that Livewello stays on top of the newest studies and genetic breakthroughs and applies them—I noticed this with my reports, as well.
• I was offered the option to customize my gene reports using the Gene Template Builder to focus on specific health concerns or genes of interest, though I have to admit I wasn’t really sure how to use it.

Livewello is compatible with raw data from popular direct-to-consumer testing services like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and Family Tree DNA.

While it offers much information, remember there might be a learning curve. Moreover, certain features may require a one-time fee or subscription.

What Health Reports Does Livewello Offer?

Livewello offers the following reports:

Genetic Variance Analysis Report

Livewello’s Variance Reports are critical components of their genetic analysis. These reports provide in-depth details into specific genetic variations or SNPs.

I was a little overwhelmed at first by the interface, but as soon as I was able to click around and understand what all the acronyms stood for, I got a fairly in-depth breakdown of my unique genetic makeup and how it related to my health.

I was able to read up on my potential genetic risks for specific diseases. This did make me uneasy, but, as with all DNA tests, you need to take everything with a grain of salt. There are no guarantees, and if you really want to confirm any of these risks, you should speak to your healthcare provider (like I did).

While I did feel some anxiety around this, reports like these can be crucial in making informed decisions about your health. They enable you to tailor your health strategies based on your genetic profile, all based on your raw DNA data.

Gene Templates

LiveWello’s Gene Templates feature is like a toolbox that lets you create customized gene reports as long as you upload your raw data file.

Gene Templates are helpful if you’re interested in specific genes or genetic markers related to your health or traits. You can pick which genes to focus on and learn more about. This was one feature where I felt I was a little out of my depth, but I still tried to explore it.

After selecting particular genes, Livewello created a special gene report just for me. This report explained how these genes affected my health. It was almost like putting together a recipe.

It’s cool that Livewello reminded me that these reports aren’t static. They do get updated regularly, ensuring I’m up-to-date with genetic discoveries.

GeneChat

I didn’t get to play with this feature as much as the others, but I thought it was a good addition for anyone relatively new to DNA testing. GeneChat is unique to Livewello (as far as I know) in that it’s an AI-powered chatbot that can answer any questions you might have about your reports.

Of course, it has its limitations as it’s not a real person and can’t replace a doctor or genetic expert, but it’s cool that there’s an interactive feature to your DNA reports. Your reports aren’t just something you read but also something you can kind of have a back-and-forth about.

Again, if you want the best interpretation when it comes to your results, your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor is your best bet.

How Does Livewello Work?

Ordering and receiving results from Livewello is easy because you can do everything online.

How to Use Livewello

To get your health insights from Livewello, follow these steps:

1. Before using LiveWello, prepare raw genetic data from a direct-to-consumer genetic testing service like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or Family Tree DNA. Access your genetic raw data file and download it from the testing service’s website.
2. Visit the LiveWello website and navigate to your account. If you don’t have a LiveWello account, make one. You need to provide your basic information and set up your login credentials.
3. LiveWello has different payment options. Choose between a one-time fee and a subscription service.
4. Follow the instructions on how to upload your raw data files.
5. Once you’ve uploaded your raw data and made the payment, Livewello will send you a confirmation email.

How to Get Your Livewello Results

To receive your results, here’s what you need to do:

1. After processing your raw genetic data, you can access your genetic reports. Log in to your LiveWello account or click the email notification link to access the reports.
2. Inside your LiveWello account, you can access several reports, including Health and Variance Reports, Gene Templates, and more. Explore these reports to learn about your predispositions, health insights, and customization options.
3. LiveWello regularly updates your genetic reports as new research and genetic markers become available. Be sure to check back periodically to stay informed.

Interpreting Your Results

Interpreting your Livewello results properly is crucial in understanding how your genes may impact your health and well-being. Here’s how I did it:

1. Start by looking into the Health Reports section. This is where you can find a summary of your genetic health. Look for any mentions of increased or decreased risks for certain conditions.
2. Take some time to understand the terms used in your reports. LiveWello has explanations to help you out. Don’t hesitate to do a quick Google search or even use the GeneChat feature if you encounter unfamiliar words.
3. Explore the reports to dig into the nitty-gritty of specific genetic markers. These reports can offer a more personalized view of how specific genetic tweaks might affect your health.
4. Use LiveWello’s Gene Templates to create custom reports that focus on the genes or markers you picked. These reports are all about what interests you most in your genetics, though it may take some getting used to (there’s a bit of a learning curve here).
5. LiveWello offers valuable insights but is not a substitute for professional medical guidance or doesn’t constitute medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about what you find in your reports, talk to a doctor. They can give you expert advice specific to your unique genetic makeup.

Benefits and Limitations of Livewello’s Genetic Reports

Livewello can be a valuable tool for people wanting to learn more about genetics and how it’s related to their health.

Advantages of Using Livewello

Here are some advantages:

• Personal health insight – LiveWello provides a peek into your unique genetic makeup. It can help you understand how your genes might influence your health and traits.
• Health risk assessment – Livewello reports can tell you if you have a higher or lower genetic risk for certain health conditions. Knowing this can help you make smart choices and catch potential issues early.
• Customized tool – LiveWello lets you customize your genetic reports if you have specific health interests. You can easily select which genes you want to learn more about.
• Regular updates – Genetics is a constantly evolving field. Livewello keeps your reports fresh by amending them with the latest research findings.
• Learning resources – You can get easy-to-understand explanations with every report.
• Connect with others – Livewello has a community aspect. You can connect with people who share similar genetic interests or health concerns.
• Privacy – Privacy is important. You usually have control over your data, and you can delete your info and account if you ever decide to stop using the service.
• A valuable tool for experts – While LiveWello isn’t a substitute for a professional healthcare provider, you can use your reports to have more meaningful discussions with healthcare professionals.

Potential Concerns and Areas of Improvement

Here are some potential concerns that Livewello can improve on:

• Complex reports – Some people may find other reports difficult to understand. Simplifying the language can make it more accessible to a broader audience.
• Cost – While LiveWello offers useful information, some might find it a bit pricey.
• Connect with doctors – There should be a simpler way for users to share their gene information with healthcare professionals.

Where Can I Access Livewello?

You can access Livewello through their website.

How Much is Livewello?

Here is a breakdown of Livewello’s prices per plan:

• Basic plan – $6.95 a month or $75 a year
• Premium plan – $12.95 a month or $140 a year
• Premium plus plan – $25 a month or $215 a year

Is Livewello Accurate?

Is Livewello Worth It?

Livewello vs. Competitors

Feature	Livewello	Genetic Genie	SelfDecode	Promethease
Price	Starts $6.95 a month	Donations optional	Starts at $99	Starts at $12
Genes Analyzed	Over 600,000	Limited SNPs	Large database	Large database
Health Insights	Yes	Limited	Yes	Yes
Custom Reports	Yes	No	Yes	No
User-Friendliness	Moderate	Easy	Moderate	Complex
Updates	Regular	N/A	Regular	Sometimes
Data Privacy	Clear	Limited	Limited	Limited

Please note that specific details and offerings may vary. Check their respective websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Livewello vs. Genetic Genie

Our pick: Livewello is our pick for its comprehensive reports and customizable gene templates.

LiveWello offers a wide array of genetic insights. This includes health status reports and customizable gene templates. It’s suitable for people seeking comprehensive DNA data.

On the other hand, Genetic Genie focuses on raw data related to methylation, which is a first-line essential biochemical process in the transmission of life, playing a critical role in the modification of DNA.¹

Livewello vs. SelfDecode

Our pick: LiveWello is better if looking for comprehensive genetic information. SelfDecode is a great option for detailed genetic analysis, but it is pretty expensive.

LiveWello provides many genetic details and is useful for health professionals and those who want in-depth insights.

Meanwhile, SelfDecode is known for its detailed analysis, including lab test interpretations, which is great if you want to optimize your health using raw DNA data. The downside is it can be expensive, with plans starting at $99.

Livewello vs. Promethease

Our pick: Livewello is more user-friendly. Promethease has a more technical interface.

LiveWello is user-friendly and offers a wide range of genetic insights and health status reports. It’s suitable for a broader audience.

Meanwhile, Promethease is more technical and is known for its extensive genetic database. It’s a good choice if you’re comfortable diving deep into your genetic data and have a scientific background.

Is Livewello the Right Genetic Service for You?

I thought Livewello provided a lot of useful information. It covered details about my health-related genetic traits, ancestry details, and how my genes may react to medications, which I thought was unique in the DNA testing world.

Moreover, it has a unique feature that lets you customize your experience and even talk to a bot about your results.

Sadly, its interface isn’t the best or most modern, so if that bothers you, it might not be the easiest on the eyes. Still, I thought it had lots of insights.

If you’re interested in using genetic insights to make informed decisions about your health and lifestyle, Livewello could be a valuable tool. It personalizes your choices based on your unique genetics. However, it isn’t a substitute for expert genetic counseling, especially concerning complex health issues.

How We Evaluated Livewello

We spent hours of thorough research, reading reviews, and scouring the web. We also tried some features ourselves. After much effort, our team came up with the criteria for rating Livewello. 

Accuracy

We looked at the company’s research and development procedures. We wanted to ensure their reports were based on the most recent findings in the relevant fields of science.

Privacy

We made sure to only review companies that take care to keep your data safe.

If you feel unsafe, you can delete your data from their servers. They give you complete control and ownership over your information in this way.

Price

We made sure to take price into account, as well as value for money.

User experience

Our research revealed that most users were satisfied with the services offered by Livewello.

Most of them also find customer support helpful and responsive.

About the Company

Livewello is a company that deals with raw genetic data analysis. They help people understand what our DNA might be saying about our health. They’re trying to make DNA information easy to access and understand.

Livewello is great because you can upload raw data, even if it’s from other DNA test companies like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or Family Tree DNA.

They have user-friendly tools and resources to explore your genetic makeup so you can learn more about your risk for different diseases.

This makes Livewello a trusted partner for better health. The company is all about providing valuable insights that can help make informed decisions about health based on your unique genetic profile.

Why Trust Us

KnowYourDNA is committed to making healthcare more accessible to the public, which is why we feature products that meet industry standards.

We only choose at-home kits with reliable testing methods and science-backed reports to improve your health.

Our in-house medical experts help ensure the accuracy of the information we give to our readers by reviewing them before publication.