Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a foundational technology in genomics that enables researchers to study many types of genetic variation at high resolution and scale. The quality of the DNA analyzed determines the accuracy and reliability of the results, making quality control (QC) an essential part of every sequencing workflow. Reliable data depend on genomic DNA (gDNA) with sufficient integrity, concentration, and purity. When QC is overlooked or incomplete, sequencing runs can fail, coverage may be inconsistent, and misleading results can occur, wasting valuable time and resources.
Download Podcast
In this podcast, Isabell Priester, Product Marketing Director in the Cell and Biomolecular Analysis Division at Agilent Technologies, discusses the importance of sample quality control in next-generation sequencing workflows and how Agilent’s new High Sensitivity Genomic DNA ScreenTape assay improves the reliability and sensitivity for low-input DNA samples.
However, conventional QC tools often lack the sensitivity needed for low-input or degraded DNA, which creates problems for researchers working with valuable or limited samples. The High Sensitivity Genomic DNA ScreenTape assay addresses these limitations by enabling accurate assessment of DNA integrity at picogram levels. With its rapid, automated, and highly reproducible workflow, it ensures confident QC even for the most challenging samples.
In NGS workflows, gDNA can originate from many sources, including cells, fresh or frozen tissues, FFPE blocks, swabs, body fluids, microorganisms, plants, fungi, and environmental samples. Assessing these materials before library preparation confirms that the DNA is intact, pure, and present in sufficient quantity. Early QC helps identify suboptimal samples before they enter expensive downstream workflows, ensuring that the resulting sequencing data are reliable and interpretable. Poor-quality samples can introduce noise that complicates data analysis and increases the likelihood of false positives or low coverage.
QC is particularly significant in clinical genomic because regulatory frameworks often mandate reproducibility, traceability, and audit readiness. When QC is neglected, the consequences extend well past a single failed run. Low-quality DNA can lead to amplification bias, low-complexity libraries, or uneven genome coverage. These problems can distort variant calling and undermine confidence in the data. Reprocessing or repeating failed sequencing runs increases costs and delays results, which can be particularly disruptive in diagnostic, translational, or grant-funded studies. Furthermore, neglecting QC in regulated environments can breach quality assurance protocols and result in audit failures or non-compliance with CAP or CLIA standards.
Before library preparation, researchers routinely assess gDNA quality to confirm sample integrity and suitability for sequencing. This process can be made more efficient through automated electrophoresis. Manual gel-based electrophoresis, while long-established, can be time-consuming and inconsistent, especially when throughput is high or sample quantity is limited. Manual steps such as gel pouring, staining, and imaging also introduce variability that affects reproducibility.
Automated electrophoresis platforms such as the Agilent TapeStation system improve QC by delivering rapid, consistent, and user-friendly nucleic acid analysis. These systems generate objective metrics that help researchers quickly identify compromised samples and prevent downstream issues. TapeStation instruments can process multiple samples simultaneously with minimal hands-on time, supporting efficient NGS workflows in research and clinical laboratories. Digital data output and standardized integrity metrics further enhance traceability and documentation needs, particularly in regulated or collaborative environments where reproducible data handling is essential.
Assessing low-input or degraded gDNA samples remains a continuing challenge for many sequencing workflows. The High Sensitivity Genomic DNA ScreenTape assay from Agilent was developed to address this need by providing precise and reproducible gDNA assessment with picogram-level sensitivity. The assay measures DNA concentration and integrity, providing researchers with a complete quality profile in minutes through fully automated analysis.
Degradation series of BioChain Control Genomic DNA – Human Male analyzed with an Agilent 4200 TapeStation system and the Agilent High Sensitivity Genomic DNA ScreenTape assay. (A) Electropherogram overlay and (B) digital gel image representative of low (red/orange), medium (yellow), and high (green) DIN scores.
The assay enables integrity assessment down to 250 pg/µL, extending the lower limit of detection to 20 pg/µL and supporting quantitative analysis from 0.5 to 10 ng/µL. This range allows accurate integrity evaluation even when working with limited or irreplaceable material. Each run requires only 2 µL of sample, which helps conserve valuable material while maintaining reliable QC performance. A refined DNA Integrity Number (DIN) algorithm further improves consistency across concentrations and instruments, producing stable integrity scores that support data comparability. The use of an electronic ladder also increases throughput, as all 16 lanes on a ScreenTape device can be devoted to sample analysis without compromising accuracy or reproducibility.
Compatible with the Agilent 4150 and 4200 TapeStation systems, the assay delivers automated, digital results within minutes while preserving the familiar TapeStation workflow. Its sensitivity and precision make it well-suited for challenging sample types, including FFPE tissue, single-cell or rare-cell populations, microbial isolates, and environmental DNA. By providing clear information on DNA quality before library preparation, the assay helps reduce waste and improve overall experimental efficiency.
The High Sensitivity Genomic DNA ScreenTape assay expands the ScreenTape portfolio by addressing a previously unmet need for reliable QC of low-concentration gDNA samples. It extends TapeStation capabilities to low-input applications and supports smoother workflow integration, reinforcing the system’s role as a trusted decision point in genomics. The assay also delivers high sensitivity while maintaining the TapeStation’s established strengths of fast turnaround, minimal hands-on time, and fully automated QC analysis.
Agilent’s continued investment in QC technologies reflects a sustained commitment to improving genomic research and diagnostics. As sequencing becomes more accessible and sample types grow increasingly diverse, reliable QC tools are essential to ensure that each experiment starts with dependable data. The High Sensitivity Genomic DNA ScreenTape assay exemplifies this commitment, giving researchers the confidence to generate consistent sequencing results even when working with the most limited or challenging samples.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. PR7003-461
Images © Agilent Technologies, Inc. Reproduced With Permission, Courtesy of Agilent Technologies, Inc.