Any laboratory that performs next-generation sequencing (NGS) must accept certain burdens such as the burdens of sample preparation. This includes DNA/RNA isolation, adapter ligation, multiple rounds of purification, quality control, and (potentially) target enrichment. These sample preparation steps consist of a series of complex, time-consuming, and error-prone chores.
Because NGS sample preparation is so demanding, it can severely limit productivity, particularly in laboratories that continue to rely on manual techniques. Many laboratories, however, have the option of transitioning to automated NGS sample preparation. This option may appear increasingly attractive as the cost of sequencing falls and the throughput of the next-generation sequencers rises.
By automating NGS sample preparation, laboratories can increase throughput and boost productivity. They can also reduce variability, enhancing their ability to take on applications that require consistent results. Finally, laboratories can streamline sample preparation, reducing errors and worker fatigue, and leaving researchers more time to perform valuable tasks.
To manage the transition from manual to automated NGS sample preparation, a laboratory should be clear about its particular needs. For example, does it need a compact system, or can it accommodate something larger—or would it prefer a scalable solution? Does the laboratory present any less-than-optimal environmental conditions? Will it need to manage multiple processes or coordinate operations across multiple locations? And, finally, is it a candidate for a dedicated, single-purpose instrument or a system capable of adapting to different processes?
All these questions are addressed in the sections below. Additional considerations—pertaining less to the implementation and more to the optimization of automated NGS sample preparation—are addressed in this article’s sequel.