We want to install a sequencer machine for DNA in our lab but we are very confused regarding the quality of the machine.
you can choose either Applied Biosystems® 3130 Genetic Analyzer or Ion torrent.In my opinion and experience genetic analyzer will be an good investment if you are going to use it more.
It depends on whether you are targeting conventional Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing. In the case of Sanger sequencing, I most commonly see ABI machines in use today, though this technology is very established and hasn't changed much in decades so any decision about a machine will come down to cost (upfront and maintenance).
In terms of next-generation sequencing, which is still constantly changing, Illumina has become the gold standard (for now) due to throughput and low error rates. The MiSeq or NextSeq (brand new) platforms are the only ones that would work in a single lab setting, as the HiSeq systems are far too expensive and are more for sequencing cores who have high demand for sequencing services. The downside of Illumina technology is short reads, but they have been gradually increasing and are projected to be at 200bp paired end sometime in the near future. Other next-generation technology includes 454 (which has essentially been replaced by Illumina, but offers longer reads) or super-long-read platforms like PacBio and Oxford Nanopore (in trial phase), which both have unacceptably high error rates. Beyond these general details it would be better for you to understand these options and ask more specific questions.
Do you want to do Sanger sequencing or next generation sequencing? What is your application? Are you planning to do many sequencing experiments? In most cases, it is cheaper to out-source your sequencing needs to commercial laboratories than to purchase an instrument, which will require a large capital outlay, maintenance and reagent costs, as well as extensive training for the operator. Next generation sequencing instrumentation is still evolving rapidly, so your NGS instrument is also likely to be obsolete very quickly.
It depends upon your budget. If you have sufficient funds than go for NGS instrument.
Hi Abu Sayeed,
I am from Science Exchange. I also think it totally depends on your budget and specific sequencing requirements as mentioned by Dr Fareed and Daren. However Dr David Barker made an excellent point that since the sequencing technology is evolving very rapidly and buying a sequencer is a huge investment to make with added maintenance and operational costs, you might find getting sequencing services rendered from providers far more economical and convenient. You can access more than 100 core facilities that can carry out a large variety of sequencing services for you through our platform. Please check them out using this link
https://www.scienceexchange.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&global_q=Sequencing
In case if you decide to install the sequencer, good luck in finding the right machine.
Best,
Atif
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