Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation

In the wake of COVID-19, the importance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for diagnostic testing and surveillance-based screening has never been more evident. Considering this, continued investment is critical to ensure more public health laboratories can adopt these advanced molecular technologie...

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Main Authors: Jillian N. Socea, Victoria N. Stone, Xiaorong Qian, Paula L. Gibbs, Kara J. Levinson
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2023-07-01
Series:Frontiers in Public Health
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1195581/full
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author Jillian N. Socea
Victoria N. Stone
Xiaorong Qian
Paula L. Gibbs
Kara J. Levinson
author_facet Jillian N. Socea
Victoria N. Stone
Xiaorong Qian
Paula L. Gibbs
Kara J. Levinson
author_sort Jillian N. Socea
collection DOAJ
description In the wake of COVID-19, the importance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for diagnostic testing and surveillance-based screening has never been more evident. Considering this, continued investment is critical to ensure more public health laboratories can adopt these advanced molecular technologies. However, many facilities may face potential barriers such as limited staff available to routinely prepare, test, and analyze samples, lack of expertise or experience in sequencing, difficulties in assay standardization, and an inability to handle throughput within expected turnaround times. Workflow automation provides an opportunity to overcome many of these challenges. By identifying these types of sustainable solutions, laboratories can begin to utilize more advanced molecular-based approaches for routine testing. Nevertheless, the introduction of automation, while valuable, does not come without its own challenges. This perspective article aims to highlight the benefits and difficulties of implementing laboratory automation used for sequencing. We discuss strategies for implementation, including things to consider when selecting instrumentation, how to approach validations, staff training, and troubleshooting.
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spelling doaj.art-3428ad9b7c3c42bdb425b98ee6d7449a2023-07-13T18:07:55ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652023-07-011110.3389/fpubh.2023.11955811195581Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparationJillian N. SoceaVictoria N. StoneXiaorong QianPaula L. GibbsKara J. LevinsonIn the wake of COVID-19, the importance of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for diagnostic testing and surveillance-based screening has never been more evident. Considering this, continued investment is critical to ensure more public health laboratories can adopt these advanced molecular technologies. However, many facilities may face potential barriers such as limited staff available to routinely prepare, test, and analyze samples, lack of expertise or experience in sequencing, difficulties in assay standardization, and an inability to handle throughput within expected turnaround times. Workflow automation provides an opportunity to overcome many of these challenges. By identifying these types of sustainable solutions, laboratories can begin to utilize more advanced molecular-based approaches for routine testing. Nevertheless, the introduction of automation, while valuable, does not come without its own challenges. This perspective article aims to highlight the benefits and difficulties of implementing laboratory automation used for sequencing. We discuss strategies for implementation, including things to consider when selecting instrumentation, how to approach validations, staff training, and troubleshooting.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1195581/fullnext-generation sequencingautomationvalidationverificationpublic health
spellingShingle Jillian N. Socea
Victoria N. Stone
Xiaorong Qian
Paula L. Gibbs
Kara J. Levinson
Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation
Frontiers in Public Health
next-generation sequencing
automation
validation
verification
public health
title Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation
title_full Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation
title_fullStr Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation
title_full_unstemmed Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation
title_short Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation
title_sort implementing laboratory automation for next generation sequencing benefits and challenges for library preparation
topic next-generation sequencing
automation
validation
verification
public health
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1195581/full
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