Implementation of an ISO15189 accredited next-generation sequencing service with the fully automated Ion Torrent Genexus: the experience of a clinical diagnostic laboratory

Aims Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is integral to the delivery of personalised medicine for targeted cancer therapy. Average turnaround times (TAT) from reference laboratories with advanced expertise in sequencing are typically 2–3 weeks. Prolonged TAT for biomarker analysis can adversely affect patient outcomes. The project aim was to establish an accredited NGS service integrated within a routine clinical diagnostic laboratory, in a designated tertiary cancer centre with no previous experience in NGS or bioinformatics. Methods Platform selected was the novel Ion Torrent Genexus Sequencer with automated onboard library preparation, templating, sequencing and data analysis, with subsequent reporting using Oncomine Reporter software. Entire workflow validation was performed with a targeted panel, the Oncomine Precision Assay, on formalin-fixed paraffin embedded clinical tumour samples. Oncomine Reporter software was used to report on variants including mutations, copy number variations and fusions across 50 key genes. Samples included surgical resections, biopsies, cytology and commercial reference material. Assessment of criteria included analytical sensitivity, specificity, limit of detection, accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility, with the establishment of performance metrics and quality parameters. Results High sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility were achieved. DNA/RNA input requirements optimised to >10 ng, and sequencing performance established with a limit of detection of 5% when depth of coverage of 2500X was reached. This NGS service attained ISO15189 accreditation with no non-conformances and >56% reduction in TAT. Conclusion Successful implementation, clinical validation and accreditation of a novel NGS technology was achieved in this institution, with a significantly improved TAT of results to oncologists