Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS): Powering the Future of Precision Medicine

The era of precision medicine is no longer a future ideal—it’s here, and it’s transforming the way we detect, diagnose, and treat disease. At the core of this transformation is Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), a technology that allows for high-throughput, high-resolution genetic analysis across thousands of genes—quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively.

At CuraPath Dx, we provide clinical-grade NGS solutions designed to support personalized diagnostics and targeted treatment decisions across a range of specialties—from oncology and pharmacogenomics to infectious disease and hereditary risk assessment.

What is Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)?

Next Generation Sequencing is a genomic technology that enables the simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments. Unlike traditional Sanger sequencing, which analyzes one gene or region at a time, NGS can analyze entire genomes, gene panels, or transcriptomes in a single run.

This capability allows clinicians to:

  • Detect single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions/deletions (indels), copy number variations (CNVs), and structural changes
  • Evaluate complex genetic signatures, including polygenic risk scores
  • Identify pathogens or mutations in a highly sensitive and specific manner

Why NGS Matters in Clinical Diagnostics

NGS has revolutionized diagnostics by enabling:

  • Comprehensive Testing in a Single Assay: Instead of ordering multiple single-gene tests, providers can assess broad panels or full exomes with one sample.
  • Faster Turnaround for Complex Cases: High-throughput sequencing speeds up analysis of challenging cases, reducing time to diagnosis.
  • Improved Sensitivity: Detects low-frequency variants that traditional methods may miss—especially in oncology and infectious disease.
  • Better Patient Stratification: Enables personalized treatment decisions based on genetic risk or tumor mutation profile.

Applications of NGS in Medicine

1. Oncology

  • Solid and hematologic tumor profiling
  • Identification of actionable mutations (e.g., EGFR, KRAS, BRAF)
  • Supports targeted therapies and immunotherapy eligibility
  • Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) and liquid biopsy analysis

2. Pharmacogenomics (PGx)

  • Large-scale gene panels to understand drug metabolism, transport, and response
  • Supports safer prescribing and more effective therapy selection
  • One-time testing for lifelong value

3. Infectious Disease

  • Sequencing of pathogens for outbreak tracing and resistance profiling
  • Metagenomic sequencing to identify unknown or novel organisms
  • Applications in wound, UTI, respiratory, and systemic infections

4. Hereditary and Rare Disease

  • Whole exome or genome sequencing to identify mutations associated with inherited conditions
  • Carrier screening and diagnostic clarification for undiagnosed symptoms
  • Replaces serial testing with a single, comprehensive assay

Advantages of NGS Through CuraPath Dx

  • CLIA-Certified Testing: All NGS panels are validated and performed in a certified laboratory
  • Customizable Panels: Targeted, disease-specific panels or broader multi-gene options available
  • Flexible Sample Types: Tissue, blood, buccal, saliva, or extracted DNA
  • Fast Turnaround Time: Results in as little as 7–14 days, depending on complexity
  • Detailed Clinical Reports: Clear interpretation with variant classification and clinical actionability

Whether you’re a provider seeking advanced diagnostic clarity or a facility expanding your testing menu, NGS brings you closer to truly personalized care.

NGS for Population Health and Long-Term Care

While often associated with oncology or rare disease, NGS also has broad potential in preventive and population health initiatives, including:

  • Genetic risk profiling for cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurologic conditions
  • Geriatric pharmacogenomics to support safer prescribing in long-term care populations
  • Outbreak and infection surveillance using metagenomic sequencing in high-risk settings

As healthcare moves toward proactive, predictive models, NGS provides the data foundation to support better long-term outcomes.

Scroll to Top