Costs of sequencing versus blocking primers
It is not straightforward to directly compare the costs of designing and
applying blocking primers to that of ordering greater depth from a
sequencing provider. We nonetheless argue that the potential for
upscaling sequencing depth is already great – and will continue to
improve, as sequencing technology becomes ever more sophisticated and
cost-effective. Primer manufacture, and especially that of PNA primers
remains a time-consuming and complicated chemical procedure that is less
amenable to change or development. Due to high demand and a growing
customer base, sequencing providers are also forced to compete amongst
themselves for customers, often leading to offers of discounts or even
help with post-sequencing computation.