Whole Genome Sequencing Test: Genetic testing is changing medical science worldwide, and today one test stands out for its accuracy and depth: the whole genome sequencing test (WGS). Many people hear this term but do not fully understand how powerful it actually is.

As one researcher wrote in the Nature journal, “Mapping the entire genome gives us the closest view of human biology ever recorded.” This line itself shows why this test is becoming a key tool in modern healthcare and personalised medicine.

But what does it actually mean? How is it done? And what is the whole genome sequencing price in India?

Overview:

• Whole genome shotgun sequencing is fast and highly used.
• Methods of whole genome sequencing include NGS, shotgun, clone-based, and Sanger.
• Whole genome sequencing price in India is becoming more affordable.
• Commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are BACs, YACs, and cosmids.
• A whole genome sequencing test helps predict future health risks.

What Is a Whole Genome Sequencing Test?

The whole genome sequencing test is a laboratory test that reads nearly 100 percent of a person’s DNA. It studies both coding and non-coding regions. If genomics were a book, this test reads every page, every paragraph, and every punctuation mark.

It is widely used in:

• Personalised medicine
• Rare disease diagnosis
• Carrier screening
• Research and academic studies
• Preventive healthcare

A whole genome sequencing (WGS) test reads all 3 billion DNA base pairs in your body. It gives a full map of your genetic information, unlike basic genetic tests that only study a few genes.

People often ask: “Is whole genome sequencing different from human whole genome sequencing?” Well, both are the same. Human whole genome sequencing simply means applying the test to human DNA specifically.

In scientific terms, the commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are bacterial artificial chromosomes, yeast artificial chromosomes, and cosmids. These tools help in breaking down and reading DNA sequences in an organised manner.

History of Genome Sequencing

The journey started in the 1970s when researchers began exploring how to read DNA. The foundation was laid by Frederick Sanger, whose sequencing technique changed biology forever. Later, between 1990 and 2003, the world witnessed the Human Genome Project, which mapped the entire human DNA for the first time.

At that time, reading a whole human genome cost around 300 million USD. Today, the test can be done in India at a small fraction of that cost. As published papers from the Human Genome Project team state, “Sequencing the human genome was once a dream. Today it is a tool.”

This evolution led to advanced techniques like whole genome shotgun sequencing, which made the process faster and more practical.

What Is Whole Genome Shotgun Sequencing?

Whole genome shotgun sequencing is a method where DNA is broken randomly into many small pieces. Each piece is sequenced separately, and then powerful software puts the pieces back together.

It is fast, accurate, and widely used for human whole genome sequencing. This is why many research papers state that the commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are those that support shotgun sequencing and fragment assembly.

Why Did Scientists Shift to Whole Genome Shotgun Sequencing?

A big turn in research came when scientists adopted whole genome shotgun sequencing. Instead of reading the genome in a strict order, this method breaks DNA into many small pieces and sequences them simultaneously.

This method helped reduce the whole genome sequencing price, made the process faster, and supported large-scale projects. Today, most labs in India and abroad follow this technique.

Commonly Used Vectors for Human Genome Sequencing

A common question students and beginners ask is: “What are the commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are?”

Vectors help carry DNA fragments for sequencing. In many research papers, the commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs), plasmids, and yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs). These vectors played a major role in the Human Genome Project and still form the backbone of many sequencing workflows. You will see this in almost every chapter of classical genetics textbooks.

Why Is Whole Genome Sequencing Needed Today?

Here are a few reasons why experts recommend it:

1. To study the risk of inherited diseases.
2. To understand rare genetic conditions.
3. To personalise medical treatment.
4. To study cancer genetics.
5. To plan future preventive healthcare.

A famous line published in Science states, “Future healthcare will not be symptom-based but genome-guided.” This is exactly what the WGS test supports.

Methods of Whole Genome Sequencing

There are several methods of whole genome sequencing used worldwide. Let us look at the most common ones:

Sanger Sequencing (First-Generation)

• Used in the early Human Genome Project
• Slower but very accurate
• Based on chain-termination chemistry

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

• Today’s most popular method
• Faster, high-output, used in routine human whole genome sequencing
• Works well with whole genome shotgun sequencing

Third-Generation Sequencing

• Single-molecule sequencing
• Useful for long reads
• Helps analyse complex regions of the genome

These methods of whole genome sequencing support various research and healthcare needs, from rare diseases to ancestry studies.

Here are few more examples:

• Shotgun Sequencing: This includes whole genome shotgun sequencing, widely used for human whole genome sequencing.
• Clone-by-Clone Sequencing: Large DNA regions are cloned using vectors.
  Remember: commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are BACs, YACs, and cosmids.

How Does the Whole Genome Sequencing Test Work?

The science behind the this particular test is interesting. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. A sample is collected, usually saliva or blood.
2. DNA is extracted.
3. DNA is broken into fragments.
4. Machines read the fragments using whole genome shotgun sequencing or other techniques.
5. Computers assemble the full genome like a giant puzzle.
6. Analysts study the variations and prepare a report.

As one genomics researcher wrote, “Sequencing is half technology and half interpretation.”

This shows why trained experts matter.

What is Whole Genome Sequencing Price in India?

The whole genome sequencing price in India has dropped significantly due to better technology and competition between labs.

On average, the whole genome sequencing price ranges between:

• Basic variant reporting: 20,000 to 40,000 INR
• Clinical-grade, doctor-reviewed reports: 40,000 to 80,000 INR
• Highly advanced reports (rare diseases, deep analysis): above 1 lakh INR

Factors influencing whole genome sequencing price:

• Technology used
• Depth of sequencing
• Type of analysis
• Turnaround time

Many labs offer WGS test packages with add-on reports for ancestry, cancer risk, and lifestyle traits.

Read More: Drug Safety Associate Jobs | Role, Skills, Interview, Career in India

Questions You Should Ask Before Taking the Test

• Why am I choosing human whole genome sequencing instead of other tests?
• What method will the lab use?
• Who will interpret my results?
• What is the actual whole genome sequencing price including GST and extras?
• Are they using recognised methods of whole genome sequencing?

These questions can help you make the right decision.

Human Whole Genome Sequencing vs. Other Genetic Tests

You may wonder: “Why should I choose a WGS test when there are cheaper tests available?”

Here is the difference:

Test Type	What It Covers
Basic Genetic Test	Only specific genes
Exome Sequencing	1–2 percent of the genome
Whole Genome Sequencing Test	Nearly 100 percent of your DNA

Applications of Whole Genome Sequencing

1. Cancer genetic profiling
2. Newborn genetic screening
3. Rare disease diagnosis
4. Drug response analysis
5. Preventive healthcare
6. Carrier testing
7. Genetic counselling
8. COVID-19 and infectious disease tracking (used in public health)

Is the Whole Genome Sequencing Test the Future?

Genome sequencing is becoming more common. The phrase “Genomics will guide future healthcare” has been used in many scientific reports.

Many Indian hospitals are now adopting human whole genome sequencing for personalised care. Students preparing for exams like CSIR-NET, GATE-Biotech, or MSc entrance exams also study topics such as whole genome shotgun sequencing, the commonly used vectors for human genome sequencing are BACs and YACs, and new methods of whole genome sequencing.

On A Final Note

The WGS test is no longer a complex scientific process meant only for research labs. It is now accessible, practical, and valuable for Indian families, students, doctors, and researchers.

With better technology, reduced whole genome sequencing price, and improved methods of whole genome sequencing, India is becoming one of the leading users of advanced genetic testing.

This field will only grow from here!

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