Next-Generation Sequencing Basics
These resources cover key topics in next-generation sequencing (NGS) designed for beginners. We'll guide you through the workflow, tutorials, and planning your first experiment.
The Worldwide Impact of NGS
Next-generation sequencing is revolutionizing research, enabling experiments that weren’t possible before.
Benefits of Next-Generation Sequencing
Compare NGS to other technologies and see if it’s right for you and your research goals.
NGS vs. Sanger Sequencing
Learn the key differences between the technologies and see when NGS can be a more effective option.
NGS vs. qPCR
Discover how NGS offers higher discovery power compared to qPCR, making it a useful method for quantifying variation.
NGS vs. Microarrays
Find out why RNA sequencing with NGS offers wide dynamic range and high sensitivity for detecting novel transcripts.
How NGS Works
The basic next-generation sequencing process involves fragmenting DNA/RNA into multiple pieces, adding adapters, sequencing the libraries, and reassembling them to form a genomic sequence. In principle, the concept is similar to capillary electrophoresis. The critical difference is that NGS sequences millions of fragments in a massively parallel fashion, improving speed and accuracy while reducing the cost of sequencing.
NGS Tutorials for Beginners
Getting started with NGS can be easier than you expect. View our free tutorials for each of the major steps in the workflow. Want personalized training for your lab delivered face-to-face or virtually? We offer that too.
Online NGS TutorialsInstructor-Led Training in Europe
All Instructor-Led Training
Planning an NGS Budget
The cost of NGS has declined dramatically in recent years, enabling labs of all sizes to introduce sequencing into their studies. There are a few factors to consider when planning your budget, such as lab equipment and sample volume.
Learn More
Get Started with NGS Basics
Let's start with a detailed overview of the main steps in the next-generation sequencing workflow.
Learn MoreThe Illumina Community
Join other Illumina customers in the Illumina Online Community. Collaborate with Illumina moderators, customers, and developers. Discuss best practices, troubleshoot, and learn about how others are using Illumina sequencers, library preparation kits, and automated data analysis to fuel their research.
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Additional Resources
Choosing an NGS Company
Seek out a best-in-class next-generation sequencing company with user-friendly bioinformatics tools and industry-leading support and service.
Next-Generation Sequencing Glossary
Find definitions for common terms and illustrations of important concepts in NGS.
NGS Workflow Consulting
Get started faster with our experimental design experts.* We’ll help you design an NGS workflow that’s right for you.
Join the Illumina Community
In our open forum, researchers can come together to support one another, ask questions, and collaborate on great science.
*Not available in Asia or South Pacific countries.