New Sequencing Technology Positions ARUP for the Future of Infectious Disease Detection

ARUP Laboratories has validated a new metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) assay that could help identify emerging and rare pathogens during future outbreaks.

Unlike traditional laboratory testing, which looks for a specific organism, mNGS analyzes all the genetic material in a patient sample and uses advanced bioinformatics to identify potential viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. The technology can help detect emerging, novel, or unexpected pathogens that may otherwise go unnoticed.

"This changes the historical paradigm used by clinicians to diagnose infections," said Benjamin Bradley, MD, PhD, head of clinical operations for Infectious Disease at ARUP. "Instead of ordering a test for a single pathogen, mNGS allows us to identify virtually any organism if there's sufficient nucleic acid present."

The project was completed through a grant from the CDC. Developing the assay required collaboration among teams across ARUP, including Research and Development, Bioinformatics, Technical Operations, Information Technology, and Clinical Operations. Together, collaborators completed the work in just six months, an accelerated timeline for a project of this complexity.

"This was a great example of ARUP coming together to focus on a project and get it done," Bradley said. "We've built a foundation that positions us for future growth in metagenomic testing."

As part of the CDC-funded project, ARUP will use the new assay in a study during the upcoming respiratory virus season to better understand performance and operational considerations. The work will help to provide near real-time pathogen surveillance data and expand ARUP's expertise in metagenomic sequencing.

While the current effort is focused on public health surveillance and research, the project demonstrates ARUP's commitment to advancing laboratory medicine and investing in technologies that could improve infectious disease detection for years to come.

Bonnie Stray, [email protected]