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Six tips to achieve next-generation sequencing success

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a cornerstone technology in clinical and diagnostic research.1 Its potential for genome decoding, biomarker discovery and molecular interaction analysis makes NGS an indispensable tool for researchers aiming to advance personalised medicine, diagnostics and accelerate drug discovery. However, to achieve optimal sequencing results, researchers must employ the right tools, methods, and workflows, as well as seek support when needed.

 

Here we provide six key strategies to ensure high-quality, publishable genomic data from successful NGS workflows. You can also learn about the latest Roche research solutions and the benefits of Roche sequencing support to accelerate your discovery processes.

1. Choose the right method

Choosing the right NGS method is essential to maintaining data accuracy and relevance. Equipping your lab with the latest, flexible reagent solutions can help you achieve this goal.

NGS methods are diverse, with some reading whole or multi-genome sequences, while others focus on targeted, partial gene or transcript-only approaches.2,3 Additionally, various sequencing platforms offer different read lengths, throughput capacities, and clinical application benefits.4 

Roche provides reagent solutions that are fully compatible with a range of popular sequencing hardware systems and method options. They can enhance the versatility and cost efficiency of your NGS workflow. In addition, AVENIO Edge system automated liquid handling system features a range of pre-validated protocols, enhancing the streamlining processes.

 

Chose the right method
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2. Ensure High-Quality Reagents for Successful NGS Experiments

In NGS, high-quality sample and reagent material are essential for experimental success. If sample quality is poor, it can lead to inaccurate sequencing data, reduced coverage and unreliable results, ultimately risking the integrity of your experiment.

To ensure that your experiments remain uncompromised and contaminant free, Roche offer premium-quality reagents for every step of the NGS sample prep workflow. The KAPA enzyme master mixes consist of optimised, high-fidelity formulations, designed for accurate, efficient amplification and minimal sample degradation. In addition, their KAPA Library Quantification kits offer highly accurate, sensitive, and reliable quantification solutions, helping you ensure optimal performance through workflow quality control.

 

3. Minimise Contamination Risk

Cross-sample contamination, or the introduction of artifacts, is a common challenge in sequencing workflows.5 Even the slightest contamination from biological or non-biological sources can lead to skewed data, inconclusive results and require costly repeated experiments. Reducing human touchpoints by incorporating automation into library prep workflows can help to mitigate these risks, resulting in more reliable data, increased efficiency and significant cost savings

The Roche AVENIO Edge system is a one-stop, automated liquid-handling platform that can support accuracy and flexibility throughout your NGS workflow. Its closed system design also includes a sealed reagent environment, further preventing exposure to potential contaminants and helping you to achieve sequencing success with confidence.

 

Chose the right method
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4. Invest in accuracy and flexibility

Accuracy and flexibility are essential for the success of any wet-lab experiment and are critical in NGS for clinical research. Accuracy and flexibility in NGS workflows can help you ensure the relevance, reliability and reproducibility of sequencing data, supporting reliable diagnostic and personalised treatment research.

Roche’s AVENIO Edge system is designed to handle a variety of sample types and volume amounts without sacrificing accuracy or pipetting precision. This is vital as different sample types may have varying viscosities, concentrations and properties that can affect liquid handling performance and impact sequencing results if unaccounted for. 

Roche’s AVENIO Edge system, with its low-volume capability, also ensures superior accuracy compared to manual methods, meaning challenging or particularly precious sample material can be preserved.

5. Understand your libraries

Understanding your NGS libraries is essential for optimising results and reducing downstream errors. Skewed or poorly distributed amplification can lead to libraries which represent inaccurate or diminished genomic coverage and ultimately compromise analysis.

Roche’s KAPA Library Preparation Kits are designed to provide high yield and quality for libraries that don’t require confusing cleanup or correction.

KAPA kits maximise the coverage and quality of both DNA and RNA libraries while minimising off-target effects. This supports research workflows that begin with fixed tissue or low-input starting materials, ensuring relevant results and enhancing discovery power.

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6. Seek support when needed

Achieving sequencing success goes beyond just choosing the right materials and automation tools - it also requires a strong knowledge base and occasional technical support. Roche provides end-to-end sequencing support to ensure your success. Our expertise spans sample prep and sequencing workflow steps, and dedicated team members can provide personalised solutions to meet your evolving research needs.

With Roche’s committed support, you can confidently anticipate and address challenges, expedite discovery and enhance your impact by achieving your clinical research goals more efficiently.

Achieving research success with Roche sequencing solutions

In the fast-paced world of genomics, next-generation sequencing holds immense discovery potential. However, it requires the right reagents, workflows and expertise for experiments to be successful.

Roche offers a variety of innovative sequencing solutions that can empower your discovery and help you conduct your clinical research with confidence. From high-quality starting KAPA Reagents and kits and advanced automation hardware, to ongoing workflow support, Roche’s sequencing solutions are designed to elevate NGS research and expedite genomic discoveries.

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1.   Satam H, Joshi K, Mangrolia U, et al. Next-generation sequencing technology: current trends and advancements. Biology (Basel) 2024;13(5):286. doi: 10.3390/biology13050286

2.    Bagger FO, Borgwardt L, Jespersen AS, et al. Whole genome sequencing in clinical practice. BMC Med Genomics. 2024;17(1):39. doi:10.1186/s12920-024-01795-w

3.    Pei XM, Yeung MHY, Wong ANN, et al. Targeted sequencing approach and its clinical applications for the molecular diagnosis of human diseases. Cells. 2023;12(3):493. doi:10.3390/cells12030493

4.    Bhaskaran S, Saikumar C. A review of next-generation sequencing methods and its applications in laboratory diagnosis. J Pure Appl Microbiol. 2022;16(2):825-833. doi: 10.22207/JPAM.16.2.45

5.    Hess JF, Kohl TA, Kotrová M, et al. Library preparation for next-generation sequencing: A review of automation strategies. Biotechnol Adv. 2020;41:107537. doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107537