Next Gen Sequencing Survey Results: Methods, Challenges & Purchasing Considerations
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Next-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as high-throughput sequencing, is the catch-all term used to describe a number of different modern sequencing technologies such as Illumina (Solexa), Roche 454, Ion Torrent and SOLiD. With its unprecedented throughput, scalability, and speed, next-generation sequencing enables researchers to study biological systems at a level never before possible.
Technology Networks recently undertook a survey to better understand the how researchers are using NGS, the challenges they face and what they look for in a new instrument. A selection of findings from the survey can be found below.
The methods researchers use or plan to use in the next 12 months:
| Transcriptome (RNA-Seq) | 74.6% |
| Whole Genome Sequencing | 59.0% |
| Chip-Seq | 35.3% |
| De Novo Sequencing | 32.8% |
| Methyl-Seq | 29.6% |
In gigabytes, the average amount of data generated by labs each week:
| <100 | 47.5% |
| 100 - 499 | 33.6% |
| 500 - 1,499 | 8.2% |
| 1,500 - 2,999 | 2.5% |
| 3,000 - 5,999 | 1.6% |
| 6,000 - 11,999 | 1.6% |
| 12,000+ | 5.0% |
83% of respondents told us that they use paired-end sequencing. Their reasons for this are:
| Efficient sample use | 40.6% |
| Simplified data analysis | 34.7% |
| Other | 12.9% |
| Simpler workflow | 11.9% |
The five biggest challenges when using NGS are:
1. Cost
2. Data analysis
3. Sample quality
4. Data storage
5. Library prep
Read more about the data challenges in the life sciences.
When asked what would help them overcome them these challenges, researchers responded:
1. Better access to bioinformaticians
2. Automation
3. Better training
4. Newer equipment
5. More staff
6. Access to data partnership programs
7. More instruments
The top three factors that influence the purchase of an NGS instrument:
1. Data accuracy
2. Consumables price
3. Instrument price
Considering a new purchase, the top three factors that influence a purchase are:
1. Reduced run time
2. Increased maximum data output
3. Increased maximum read length
