Shenzhen, China—BGI today launched its latest high-throughput sequencing platform, BGISEQ-50, at the 11th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-11). It is a miniaturized sequencer that after BGISEQ-500 to continue to reinforce the NGS (Next Generation Sequencing).

Based on the technique from combinatorial Probe-Anchor Synthesis (cPAS) and DNA Nanoballs (DNB) sequencing, BGISEQ-50 is a sharp, dedicated and smart high-throughput sequencing platform. It adopts high precision parts and has a built-in independent sample reagent loading reservoir and full-automatic reagent needle penetration system. The simplified structure can realize multiple automatic functions, including sample loading, sequencing and data analyzing. The compact size makes it easier to be placed. It has specific applicability for basic sequencing projects in clinical and scientific research. Furthermore, it accommodates operation even under low-pressure environment at high altitude.

BGISEQ-50 adopts intelligent, touch-sensitive interface, providing compatible function of full-automatic sample tracking management, and offers the optimal process guidance. The sequencing is simple to operate: respectively place the pre-built integrated sequencing reagent box and micromachined sequencing chip into the device and click “sequencing” button to start a 10-hour automatic sample loading and sequencing. Unattended mode is supported and data analysis is achieved in a single step. The whole process including sample preparation can be completed in 18 hours with the optional automatic sample preparation system.

At the product launch, BGI demonstrated the applications of BGISEQ-50 on Non-Invasive Prenatal Screening (NIPS), Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), Chromosome abnormality Sequencing (ChromoSeq), Pathogens Detection (PM-Seq), RNA-Seq and others. The system can finish 16 NIPT tests per run and with the capacity of over 10,000 tests per year at more affordable and accessible cost.

Duncan Yu, COO of BGI, noted: “The BGISEQ-50 is a miniaturized desktop sequencer designed to provide rapid and efficient sequencing solutions and to advance precision medicine, personalized healthcare and even digitize life.” BGISEQ-50 will be available in China first and starts to take order by the end of this year with delivery begin in early 2017.

On October 24, 2015, BGI released its new desktop sequencing system, BGISEQ-500, at the 10th International Conference on Genomics (ICG-10). As the first sequencer supporting volume production in China, BGISEQ-500 has received more than 500 orders and completed more than 112,000 tests since the end of 2015, including over 20,000 RNA-seq samples.

In October 2016, the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) approved the registration of BGISEQ-500 for medical device, allowing BGISEQ-500 to provide more cost-effective and advanced applications in clinical genetic sequencing.