Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a powerful, scalable technology that can sequence millions of DNA fragments simultaneously, offering far greater efficiency than traditional methods. This speed and precision make NGS a cornerstone in healthcare and genomics. It enables precision medicine by identifying genetic mutations for personalized treatments, informs targeted cancer therapies, and helps diagnose rare inherited diseases. NGS also plays a crucial role in microbial research, pathogen detection, and drug discovery by uncovering genetic factors that influence treatment responses.
In this post, we’ll break down the costs of NGS technology. We’ll cover the basics, explore popular manufacturers and models, and provide price ranges to guide your procurement decisions—helping you stay within budget while accessing the right equipment for your lab’s needs.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a transformative technology that allows the rapid, high-throughput sequencing of DNA and RNA. NGS can simultaneously sequence millions of DNA fragments, providing comprehensive genomic data far faster and more efficiently than traditional sequencing methods. It has revolutionized the field of genomics, offering unprecedented insights into genetic variation, gene expression, and disease mechanisms.
NGS emerged in the mid-2000s as a significant leap beyond earlier sequencing methods, particularly Sanger sequencing, which had been the standard for decades. Developed by Frederick Sanger in 1977, Sanger sequencing was a slower, labor-intensive process that could only sequence one DNA fragment at a time. While reliable and accurate, Sanger sequencing was costly and time-consuming for large-scale projects, such as sequencing an entire genome.
The introduction of NGS changed that landscape. NGS technologies allowed researchers to sequence massive amounts of DNA in parallel, drastically reducing the time and cost required for large-scale genomic studies. The Human Genome Project, completed in 2003, took over a decade and cost billions of dollars using Sanger sequencing. Today, thanks to NGS, a human genome can be sequenced in days for a fraction of the cost.
NGS involves fragmenting DNA or RNA into smaller pieces, attaching adapters to the fragments, and loading them onto a sequencing platform. Once loaded, these fragments are sequenced in parallel, generating massive amounts of data. The sequencing process uses various chemistries and technologies—such as sequencing by synthesis, sequencing by ligation, or real-time sequencing—depending on the platform.
NGS platforms read the sequence of each fragment by detecting the incorporation of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA or RNA) or by monitoring real-time biochemical reactions. The resulting data is then reconstructed using bioinformatics tools to piece together the entire sequence or transcriptome.
NGS is a powerful alternative to traditional methods like Sanger sequencing and microarrays. While Sanger sequencing is limited to reading single DNA fragments and requires cloning or PCR amplification, NGS can handle millions of fragments in parallel, providing higher throughput and efficiency.
Microarrays, another older method, measure gene expression by hybridizing labeled nucleic acids to probes on a chip. Although useful, microarrays are limited to detecting only known sequences, whereas NGS can identify novel variants and perform more comprehensive analyses.
NGS has wide-ranging applications in both research and clinical settings:
NGS continues to advance the fields of precision medicine, cancer research, and genetic disease diagnostics, offering researchers and clinicians a powerful tool for comprehensive genomic analysis.
Several essential components drive the efficiency and accuracy of NGS, making it a versatile tool for genomic analysis:
This combination of cutting-edge technologies and robust platforms enables next-generation sequencing to deliver rapid, accurate, and scalable genetic analysis, supporting everything from basic research to clinical diagnostics.
The cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms varies widely depending on their features, throughput, and intended applications. Below is a comparison of popular NGS models from leading manufacturers, highlighting their key capabilities along with price ranges to help you find the best fit for your lab’s needs:
The cost of next-generation sequencers depends on key factors like system size, throughput, and read length. These features not only impact pricing but also determine the suitability of a sequencer for different research needs:
Several key factors impact the cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS), including the type of sequencing tasks, materials and construction, and additional features like automation and bioinformatics tools. Understanding these variables helps laboratories make informed decisions about which systems and setups best fit their research needs and budgets.
The materials used in NGS workflows also influence costs, directly impacting efficiency, data accuracy, and the overall cost of running NGS workflows:
Additional features enhance NGS efficiency but also add to the cost:
Different sequencing technologies affect both pricing and performance. However, they offer specific advantages depending on the research focus, with long-read methods offering precision in difficult genomic regions at a higher cost per base:
The cost of sequencing has dropped significantly in recent years. The affordability of these methods continues to improve, driving more widespread adoption in both clinical and research settings:
Consumables and reagents are ongoing costs that can quickly accumulate in NGS workflows. Efficient management of these resources is crucial for controlling costs in high-throughput environments:
High-throughput sequencing allows labs to analyze multiple samples simultaneously, significantly reducing the cost per base. Platforms like Illumina’s NovaSeq and NextSeq handle large data volumes in a single run, making comprehensive genomic studies more feasible and cost-effective.
This scalability, combined with advancements in automation and consumable pricing, continues to lower overall NGS costs, making the technology increasingly accessible for large-scale genomics and precision medicine applications.
Managing the vast datasets generated by high-throughput sequencing requires robust bioinformatics tools. These platforms enable sequence alignment, variant identification, and genomic annotation, helping researchers derive meaningful insights from NGS data. While bioinformatics tools add to the overall cost, they are essential for ensuring data accuracy and enabling key discoveries.
Beyond the core equipment, several additional factors influence the total cost of NGS:
By accounting for these additional considerations, labs can better maintain their budgets while maximizing the efficiency and output of their sequencing workflows.
Leasing an NGS system offers significant advantages for labs looking to optimize both financial resources and research capabilities. One of the most impactful benefits of leasing is the ability to extend your lab’s cash runway. Instead of tying up a large portion of your budget in the upfront costs of purchasing equipment, leasing allows you to allocate resources more strategically across R&D, operations, and other essential areas, providing financial flexibility.
Leasing can also accelerate your lab's progress toward critical R&D and commercial milestones. By accessing the latest NGS technology without the heavy capital investment, your lab can increase productivity, process more samples, and generate results faster, keeping you on track to achieve key objectives sooner. Faster progress in research and development often translates to earlier validation of your work, a crucial factor for both scientific advancement and commercial viability.
Moreover, by reaching milestones more quickly and demonstrating your lab's capacity to deliver, leasing can position you for a stronger next round of funding. Investors are more likely to support labs that show efficient use of resources and a clear trajectory toward commercialization. With the right equipment in place, you can demonstrate tangible progress and secure funding at a more favorable valuation, enhancing the long-term growth and success of your lab.
When selecting a next-generation sequencer, key factors like sequencing technology, system size, and operational costs must align with your research needs and budget. Platforms such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio offer different capabilities, from throughput to read length and accuracy, impacting both the initial investment and long-term costs.
The choice between benchtop systems and high-throughput models depends on your project’s scale and funding. Additionally, the cost of consumables like library preparation kits and flow cells, along with maintenance and service contracts, plays a significant role in ongoing expenses. Efficient workflow integration further enhances productivity and reduces turnaround times, optimizing overall performance. Understanding your research objectives and financial constraints is essential for making the right decision. By selecting a sequencer that meets both scientific and budgetary needs, your lab can remain competitive and capable of delivering impactful research outcomes.
Leasing a next-generation sequencer through Excedr offers an alternative solution, enabling your lab to acquire essential equipment while extending your cash runway and accelerating research milestones.
