1. Recommendations for laboratory workflow that better support centralised amalgamation of genomic variant data: findings from CanVIG-UK national molecular laboratory survey.
- Author
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Allen S, Loong L, Garrett A, Torr B, Durkie M, Drummond J, Callaway A, Robinson R, Burghel GJ, Hanson H, Field J, McDevitt T, McVeigh TP, Bedenham T, Bowles C, Bradshaw K, Brooks C, Butler S, Del Rey Jimenez JC, Hawkes L, Stinton V, MacMahon S, Owens M, Palmer-Smith S, Smith K, Tellez J, Valganon-Petrizan M, Waskiewicz E, Yau M, Eccles DM, Tischkowitz M, Goel S, McRonald F, Antoniou AC, Morris E, Hardy S, and Turnbull C
- Subjects
- Humans, Workflow, State Medicine, Genomics, United Kingdom, Laboratories, Neoplasms
- Abstract
Background: National and international amalgamation of genomic data offers opportunity for research and audit, including analyses enabling improved classification of variants of uncertain significance. Review of individual-level data from National Health Service (NHS) testing of cancer susceptibility genes (2002-2023) submitted to the National Disease Registration Service revealed heterogeneity across participating laboratories regarding (1) the structure, quality and completeness of submitted data, and (2) the ease with which that data could be assembled locally for submission., Methods: In May 2023, we undertook a closed online survey of 51 clinical scientists who provided consensus responses representing all 17 of 17 NHS molecular genetic laboratories in England and Wales which undertake NHS diagnostic analyses of cancer susceptibility genes. The survey included 18 questions relating to 'next-generation sequencing workflow' (11), 'variant classification' (3) and 'phenotypical context' (4)., Results: Widely differing processes were reported for transfer of variant data into their local LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), for the formatting in which the variants are stored in the LIMS and which classes of variants are retained in the local LIMS. Differing local provisions and workflow for variant classifications were also reported, including the resources provided and the mechanisms by which classifications are stored., Conclusion: The survey responses illustrate heterogeneous laboratory workflow for preparation of genomic variant data from local LIMS for centralised submission. Workflow is often labour-intensive and inefficient, involving multiple manual steps which introduce opportunities for error. These survey findings and adoption of the concomitant recommendations may support improvement in laboratory dataflows, better facilitating submission of data for central amalgamation., Competing Interests: Competing interests: MD and TM have received honoraria from AstraZeneca and MSD for contributions as expert assessors in the GenQA/EMQN GTACT schemes: Ensuring accurate classification of BRCA1, BRCA2 and other HRR gene variants. ACA is the creator of BOADICEA, licensed by Cambridge Enterprise, and receives royalties from Cambridge University. TPM is a council member for the UK Cancer Genetics Group, and has received honoraria from AstraZeneca and Novartis, and consulting fees from Roche as an Expert Advisor for the National Molecular Tumour Board (Ireland). DME was co-applicant on an AstraZeneca Research Grant (2021–2023), is on the University of Southampton Executive Board and is the Non-Executive Director of UHS NHS Foundation Trust. CT has received honoraria from AstraZeneca and MSD for educational activities and scientific boards, which are donated in full to charity., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)
- Published
- 2024
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