A newer, alternative strategy called next generation sequencing (NGS) allows clinicians to test many genes of a cancer, infections or genetic disorders simultaneously. Next generation sequencing can be performed on any sample type from a patient. The sequencing system from Oxford Nanopore is with us which can be used for a variety of applications such as whole genome sequencing, metagenome. Methylation studies and detection of structural variants such as nucleotide repeats and chromosomal rearrangements.

Oxford Nanopore Technology, UK, is a widely used NGS system that is based on the measurement of single molecules directly by change in the flow of current while passing through a nano meter sized pore. This technology does not need nucleic acid amplification, fluorescent/chemical labelling or optical instrumentation and can easily generate long reads of up to 4.0 Mb. These attributes provide a better handle on many of the analytical challenges posed by the data generated on short read technologies.

Oxford Nanopore sequencing system can be used for a variety of applications such as whole genome sequencing, metagenome. Methylation studies and detection of structural variants such as nucleotide repeats and chromosomal rearrangements. Nanopore systems have been presently used globally for SARS-COV-2 genome sequencing.