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Implementing laboratory automation for next-generation sequencing: benefits and challenges for library preparation
Jillian N Socea1, Victoria N Stone1, Xiaorong Qian1
1Division of Laboratory Services, Tennessee Department of Health, Nashville, TN, United States.
Frontiers in Public Health
|July 31, 2023
Summary
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is vital for public health, but labs face challenges. Workflow automation offers solutions for implementing advanced molecular testing, despite its own hurdles.
Area of Science:
- Molecular diagnostics
- Public health laboratory science
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of next-generation sequencing (NGS) in diagnostic testing and surveillance.
- Public health laboratories require investment to adopt advanced molecular technologies like NGS.
- Barriers to NGS adoption include staffing limitations, expertise gaps, assay standardization issues, and throughput challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the benefits and challenges of implementing laboratory automation for sequencing in public health settings.
- To provide strategies for overcoming implementation hurdles and facilitating the adoption of advanced molecular testing.
Main Methods:
- This perspective article reviews the current landscape of laboratory automation for sequencing.
- It discusses practical considerations for instrumentation selection, validation, staff training, and troubleshooting.
Main Results:
- Workflow automation presents a viable solution to address common barriers in NGS implementation.
- Successful automation requires careful planning, appropriate instrumentation, and comprehensive staff training.
Conclusions:
- Automation can enable public health laboratories to effectively utilize advanced molecular approaches for routine testing.
- Addressing the challenges associated with automation is key to maximizing its benefits for diagnostic and surveillance purposes.
