The NHS needs to improve its capacity in bioinformatics, by developing information systems, analytical expertise, and infrastructure, to make the best use of whole genome sequencing as it becomes suitable for clinical use, an expert group has recommended.

The group of leading UK clinical geneticists, oncologists, and research scientists evaluated the implications of whole genome sequencing technologies for improving diagnosis, clinical outcomes, and disease prevention by health services, focusing particularly on the NHS.

Coordinated by the PHG Foundation, a charitable organisation that works to improve health through the evidence based application of science, the group has published the first comprehensive overview of the short to medium term medical ramifications of human genome sequencing.

Development of new, …