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.