Improving SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to impact the global community, an increasing number of viral variants are  emerging and spreading in specific geographies. These are identified and tracked by sequencing of the viral genomes, and there is an urgent and growing need for reliable, accurate and convenient methods for sequencing SARS-CoV-2. Currently the most widely used protocols for SARS-CoV-2 library preparation are based on the ARTIC Network’s multiplexed amplicon protocols for real-time detection of viral outbreaks, which were quickly adapted to SARS-CoV-2. Through balancing of multiplex PCR primers and optimization of reagents, the NEBNext ARTIC library prep kits achieve improved uniformity of genome coverage, using streamlined workflows for Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing.