Getting Started with NGS for Small-Scale Labs: What’s Required?
As next-generation sequencing (NGS) continues to revolutionize research and diagnostics, many small and medium-sized laboratories are planning to transition to this technology. However, high-cost systems, complex infrastructure requirements, and the need for expert personnel can make this transition difficult for some institutions.
In this article, we aim to summarize the essential steps for small laboratories to get started with NGS, identify feasible applications for low-capacity systems, and highlight devices that facilitate the workflow.
NGS technology offers the opportunity to analyze multiple target regions simultaneously with much higher accuracy compared to classical PCR methods.
Particularly in the following areas, the transition to NGS can provide significant advantages:
- Microbial identification (16S rRNA, metagenomic analyses)
- Small gene panel analyses (e.g. cancer genetics)
- Variant validation studies
- Carrier and monogenic disease screenings
Fundamentals for Small Laboratories Adopting NGS
Infrastructure and Space Requirements
A compact area is enough to establish a small NGS laboratory. Thanks to desktop sequencing devices, a minimum of 10–12 m² should be sufficient.
Basic Hardware
- DNA/RNA isolation equipment
- Pipette sets and centrifuge
- PCR device (for library preparation)
- Computer system for small-scale bioinformatics analysis
Simple and Integrated Instrument Selection
One of the most critical steps in NGS is selecting the appropriate instrument. Initial investment cost, ease of operation, and flexibility of application are the determining factors for small laboratories.
MiSeq i100 Series
NextSeq 1000/2000
Examples of Applications: Where to Begin?
16S rRNA sequencing: Forms the basis of microbiome analysis. It is used to determine microbial diversity in samples that cannot be cultured.
The MiSeq™ i100 Plus is ideal for performing such targeted analyses with a single cartridge.
Amplicon-Based Panels: Small panel studies offer the opportunity to utilize the rapid and cost-effective advantages of NGS, for example, by targeting a few genes that are frequently mutated in cancer.
Variant Validation: Small target regions can be re-sequenced using NGS to retest variants obtained in WES/WGS applications.
Starting on the Right Track: Shift to NGS with MiSeqTM i100
For institutions looking to transition to NGS for the first time, the MiSeq™ i100 Series enables access to high-quality data without putting a strain on the technical infrastructure.
- It’s compact size allows for desktop placement
- Provides high accuracy thanks to XLEAP-SBS™ chemistry
- MiSeq™ i100: Suitable for simple applications with 1M reading capacity
- MiSeq™ i100 Plus: Supports larger projects with 6M read capacity
Coming with not only the instrument but also user training, installation support, and local technical service, it provides a safe start for small labs.
Start Small, Make a Big Difference
NGS technology can extend beyond the monopoly of major centers. Small-scale labs can step into the world of genomics with confidence when supported by suitable devices, training, and infrastructure.
If you would like to take the first step and request technical consultancy or a demo, you can contact us.