Access to expertise
Although NGS applications span a huge range of scientific areas, it is itself a highly specialised field, one that takes years to master. Even then, the technology is constantly evolving and these developments are difficult to keep up with if they are not within your specialty. Dedicate your time to keeping up with the developments in your specific field and outsource your NGS for access to the experts within that industry.
Dedicated NGS service providers hold the knowledge and expertise to consistently deliver high quality data and accurate results that are relevant to your research. Their direct contact with sequencing partners means they are up to date on the latest protocols, software and technology.
Data quality
The quality of data at the end of a sequencing workflow can be impacted by any step along the way, such as nucleic acid extraction, sample/library preparation or the sequencing instrument used. Performing any of these steps in-house increases the risk of introducing error if researchers are inexperienced in the techniques required. NGS service providers have the latest equipment that is impeccably maintained, standardised protocols, and rigorous quality control in place for every step, ensuring the resulting data is of the highest possible standard.
Cost-effectiveness
If researchers do not already have access to a core facility, the cost of setting up an in-house facility can be prohibitive. Not only would this come with huge upfront costs, but also maintenance costs covering aspects such as instrument maintenance, software updates, and personnel. Outsourcing NGS services can be a cost-effective alternative, allowing researchers to allocate more resources to other areas of their research.
Turnaround time
NGS service providers are fully dedicated to seeing your samples through their workflow and doing so in a timely manner. NGS is a time-consuming process that requires full attention, something service providers can dedicate to it. They are set up to work quickly and efficiently without compromising on quality and can help move your research timeline along with prompt results. The influx of samples to the facility can also dictate how quickly results are turned around, as often flow cells need to be full to run the instrument. Service providers often have a higher quantity of samples to run so yours can be combined with others to fill a flow cell and be sequenced sooner.
Customised services
NGS service providers will have expertise across a huge range of sample types and lots of experience in tweaking protocols for specific requirements. It is crucial to find a service provider that offers the specific type of NGS you need and can work with your samples. Many providers’ projects will start with a consultation to design an optimal workflow and agree on a tailored NGS service package. Large service providers can be much more flexible in their offerings than core facilities, able to accommodate your choice of the sequencing platform to be used, the number of reads, and the level of coverage.
Capacity, scalability and throughput
Service providers have significantly higher capacity than in-house facilities. They have multiple sequencing platforms, lab automation, and the headcount required for generating very high throughput of samples. Automation platforms replace manual operations with standardised automated operations eliminating manual errors, making the whole process more accurate, traceable, and contamination-free. Access to this capacity means researchers can scale their studies without having to invest in the expansion of in-house sequencing facilities.
Ready to outsource your sequencing? Explore Cambridge Bioscience's NGS service providers or contact our technical support team with any queries.