Genomics costing tool: considerations for improving cost-efficiencies through cross scenario comparison.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Genomics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Next-generation sequencing (NGS) capacity expanded globally due to COVID-19, presenting an opportunity for other infectious disease surveillance.
• Sustainable genomic surveillance is critical, especially in low- and middle-income countries, requiring robust cost estimation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a systematic cost estimation approach for genomic surveillance.
• To assess the accuracy, utility, and functionality of the Genomics Costing Tool (GCT) in public health laboratories.

Main Methods:

• The Genomics Costing Tool (GCT) was developed through collaboration of five global health organizations.
• GCT was piloted in public health laboratories across the African, Eastern Mediterranean, and European WHO regions.
• Pilot exercises evaluated GCT for validating past expenditure, routine use, cost optimization, and scaling sequencing services.

Main Results:

• Pilot data demonstrated significant cost reductions per sample with increased sample throughput.
• The GCT enables detailed cost estimation, budgeting, and planning for sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Findings highlight the economic benefits of optimizing sequencing platforms based on sample throughput.

Conclusions:

• The GCT is a valuable asset for laboratories to improve cost-efficiency and strategic planning in genomic surveillance.
• The tool supports sustainable funding for infectious disease monitoring and outbreak investigation.
• GCT provides insights into the costs of routine NGS implementation using short- and long-read technologies.