Illumina NextSeq 1000 and NextSeq 2000 Sequencing Systems

To support demand for clinical-grade genomic information, Illumina has announced the NextSeq 1000 and NextSeq 2000 Sequencing Systems — offering clever system design, chemistry innovations and on-instrument integrated informatics for rapid secondary analysis in as little as 2 h.

The benchtop sequencers were designed with the aim of simplifying workflows and overcoming challenges faced by users of mid-throughput sequencers today. The company’s sequencing by synthesis (SBS) chemistry, coupled with super-resolution optics, an ultrahigh-density flow cell and versatile informatics solutions, enables NGS discovery in a flexible sequencer format. This should enable labs of any size to run tests and experiments more frequently, sequencing at depth and volume with a high level of flexibility and efficiency.

The sequencers incorporate more than 75 innovations — including the combination of super resolution and blue chemistry — that are said to enable an increase in density and throughput as well as a reduction in operating costs. They are designed to enable core labs, small-to-medium research labs and clinical facilities to access high-intensity sequencing applications using SBS technology.

Designed to create a user-friendly, end-to-end experience, the systems integrate DRAGEN on board, powering a flexible informatics suite and featuring both local and cloud-based options for run set-up, management and analysis. The combination of robust instrument performance and run economics delivers the ability to take on applications like single-cell RNA-seq, ctDNA and a variety of oncology panels.

The systems support emerging and current mid-throughput sequencing applications as well as a broad range of methods such as exome sequencing, target enrichment, single-cell profiling, transcriptome sequencing and more. They offer an intuitive workflow with load-and-go ease and visual cues about run status.