Automated NGS Fluidic-Based Device For Sample to Library Preparation: A Flexible Solution For Rapid Decentralized Sequencing for Infectious Disease Diagnostics

In addition to the established use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), such as drug resistance monitoring in HIV, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has shown the crucial need of NGS technologies as tools for identification of clinically relevant variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Typically, in these settings, to be cost-effective most NGS analyses were conducted using larger batch sizes often resulting in long turn-around times of 2–3 weeks the need of trained personnel, and centralized testing facilities. 

We have developed an easy to use automated fluidic-based benchtop device to bridge a perceived gap in NGS library preparation and provide a solution for decentralized testing that does not require specially trained personnel.

The Helaxy NGS fluidic device can thus effectively provide an easy-to-use automated solution for sample library preparation in decentralized facilities to reduce the turn-around-time from sample collection to result reporting for clinical diagnosis and treatment.