A preliminary Quality Control (QC) for next generation sequencing (NGS) library evaluation turns out to be a very useful tool for a rapid detection of BRCA1/2 deleterious mutations

Background Recent advances in next generation sequencing (NGS) technology have enabled comprehensive and accurate screening of the entire genomic region of BRCA1 / 2 genes and, to date, many studies report the effectiveness of these technologies. Here we show that Gene Scan (GS) labeling Quality Control (QC), performed before massive parallel pyrosequencing, coupled with Multiple Amplicon Quantification software (MAQ-S) analysis is a rapid and powerful tool in the detection of deleterious BRCA mutations carried by different patients. Methods GS labeling QC assay was performed according to the manufacturers' instructions and MAQ-S software was employed for analysis results. Results GS labeling QC was able to detect 14 different BRCA frameshift mutations in our patients. In addition, two novel BRCA mutations (c.1893_1894insTTAAGCCCACAAAT in BRCA1 gene and c.9413_9414insT in BRCA2 gene) were identified. Conclusion We prove that a simple QC step may represent a valid and useful tool for a rapid detection of frameshift mutations in BRCA genes. For this reason, we recommend using this approach before massive parallel sequencing.