Next Generation Sequencers (NGS)

Next generation sequencing, also known as high throughput, massive parallel and deep sequencing, has dramatically increased the speed and reduced the cost of sequencing, making it possible to sequence a bacterial genome in just a few days and rapidly compare genetic sequences among multiple genome. Multiple technologies are available, and in most the DNA sample is broken into a library of small fragments and then attached to oligonucleotide adapters. The construct is placed on a slide or in a flow cell, and the strings of nucleotide bases that make up the fragments are then sequenced in hundreds of millions of parallel reactions. Whole genomes or exomes can be mapped against reference genomes to look for variants, SNPs, and indels. A next generation sequencer is a significant investment; choice of instrument will depend on laboratory throughput, sample type and flexibility required to run pilot tests, etc.