Hidden Savings in NGS Library Prep: Why ExpressPlex™ 2.0 Delivers Clear Value

 

The True Cost of NGS 

The cost of next-generation sequencing (NGS) isn’t just about the sequencer or flow cell prices that you can see on a purchase order.  Generating sequence-ready libraries upstream of sequencing is a key economic driver.  Many labs evaluate library prep workflows based only on kit price, but the real cost of library prep includes labor, consumables, and hidden add-ons that don’t show up until you’re knee-deep in the process.

This is where ExpressPlex 2.0 stands apart. Designed to streamline high-throughput DNA library prep from start to finish, it eliminates unnecessary steps, cuts down on waste, and drastically reduces staff time at the bench compared with alternative library prep methods*. For labs watching budgets closely — and for those looking to scale — the return on investment (ROI) is hard to ignore.

 

The Hidden Costs of NGS Library Prep

What if you could save 80% on Library Prep?

Library preparation can quietly consume resources. On paper, a kit might look affordable, but in practice, the unseen costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars particularly for high throughput sequencing labs.

  • Labor hours: Multiple hands-on steps and sample transfers consume staff time.
  • Consumables: Tips, plates, and other plastics quickly add up in both cost and waste.
  • Extras: Indexing primers, purification beads, and other reagents that aren’t included in the kit can raise costs significantly.

 

ExpressPlex 2.0: Savings at Every Step

Workflow Simplicity is the Foundation of Savings

ExpressPlex 2.0 is purpose-built to resolve these challenges, delivering measurable savings and improving laboratory productivity across your workflow:

  • Workflow efficiency: The protocol takes just 2 hours from extracted DNA to sequence-ready libraries – 65% shorter than other tagmentation-based library prep methods*.
  • Labor savings: One technician can process thousands of samples in a single day using minimal automation and nested workflows providing up to a 90% reduction in library prep labor costs.
  • Consumables savings: More than 90% fewer plastics are used, supporting sustainable research initiatives and cutting consumable costs by over 90%.
  • No hidden add-ons: All reagents, including indexes and purification beads, are supplied with the ExpressPlex 2.0 kit, eliminating the hidden extas that inflate costs.
  • Productivity enhancement: T
    he scalable, easily-automated workflow has massive sample multiplexing capabilities for faster times to cost-efficient sequencing data.

Together, these efficiencies translate into up to 80% total library prep cost savings per sample.  The higher the sample number, the higher the savings. Explore the details in the ExpressPlex Hidden Savings, Clear Value infographic!

Why ROI Matters in Genomics Research

Doing More in a Time of Shrinking Budgets

Sequencing labs today face dual pressures: deliver data faster, while staying within increasingly tight budgets. ROI isn’t theoretical — it’s essential to long-term viability. Choosing a workflow like ExpressPlex 2.0 provides:

  • Higher throughput without hiring additional staff while reducing non-value-added technical time
  • Predictable costs that simplify budgeting and grant applications
  • Operational scalability to handle larger projects without an exponential rise in expenses

By focusing on ROI, labs ensure they’re not just saving money in the short term but positioning themselves for growth, scalability, and sustainability in the future.

 

Conclusion: Clear Value, Clear Choice

As NGS continues to evolve, so should the workflows that power it. While it’s easy to get caught up in the promise of faster sequencers and bigger data output, the reality is that library prep remains a critical driver of cost representing as much as 90% of the total sequencing cost in some cases.

For labs focused on efficiency, scalability, and sustainability, ExpressPlex 2.0 isn’t simply a more streamlined workflow — it’s a smarter investment. At the end of the day, the ExpressPlex 2.0 numbers speak for themselves:

  • Saving up to 80% on total library prep cost*
  • A 2-hour workflow that accelerates time-to-data
  • Dramatic reductions in labor, consumables, and hidden expenses

For any lab aiming to maximize productivity and lower costs on sequencing projects, the decision isn’t just about speed or convenience — it’s about value. And with ExpressPlex 2.0, the value couldn’t be clearer.

*All statistics within this article are comparisons of ExpressPlex 2.0 (seqWell) and Nextera® XT (Illumina) using manufacturers’ standard protocols.

ExpressPlex Hidden Savings, Clear Value Infographic

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