What are the different sequencing methods? And why should I care?

When it comes to sequencing, think of it as a picture. When you send us your sample, we analyze it and you get a snapshot of where you're at.

Now, think about the picture itself. Depending on its quality, you might have a boxy, pixelated image that makes it tough to zoom in. Or maybe your picture is high resolution, with crisp edges and a whole lot of detail.

In a broad sense, the tools we use for sequencing are similar. One method, the one we at Tiny Health use, gives us a high resolution snapshot. The other methods, not so much.

Let’s break this down:

1. PCR / qPCR:

These test whether specific known microbes are present and can be very sensitive. However, because it’s only testing for a limited number of microbes, it’s not able to provide a complete picture of your entire gut microbiome community in the same way that Tiny Health can.

2. 16S rRNA amplicon profiling:

This tells us which high-level groups of bacteria and archaea are present but - because the image is little unclear - it can be tough to tell the difference between similar species.

3. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing:

This gives us the highest resolution picture, helping us to not only identify the microbes present in your microbiome down to the species and strain level, but even discover new bacterial genes that have yet to be identified or named.

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The ultra sharp image we get with shotgun metagenomic sequencing allows us to look at some viruses, yeast, and other microbes that make up the living ecosystem of your microbiome. And while currently less explored than bacteria, these other microbes also interact with bacteria and your baby’s immune system, affecting its development.