Illumina has unveiled a service programme to provide high-quality personal genome sequencing to consumers.
The company said the service offers complete coverage of the human genome sequence for US$48,000.
The personal genome sequencing service is performed in Illumina's CLIA laboratory utilising the company's Genome Analyzer technology.
The offering includes sequencing of an individual's DNA to 30 times depth, providing information on SNP variation and other structural characteristics of the genome such as insertions, deletions and rearrangements.
Illumina intends to create a social community for the education and exchange of information for those who have had their genomes sequenced.
As more information becomes available, participants will be in a position to mine their personal genome sequence data to understand their identity in ways which have never been possible.
In addition to the sequencing service, Illumina is establishing a protocol, infrastructure, and community to enable large-scale adoption of personal genome sequencing.
This includes the creation of a network of partners to offer a variety of services.
Data analysis partners, physicians and genetic counsellors will play an important role in Illumina's personal genome sequencing service.
A physician's network is being created as physicians will be critical to the service - to discuss the process with the consumer, order the sequencing service, collect DNA samples and deliver final sequencing data to the consumer.
Illumina is collaborating with a number of partners, including 23andMe, Decode Genetics, Knome and Navigenics, to encourage secondary data analysis such as calculation of disease risk, ancestry, and information on traits of interest.
Genetic counsellors will also play a role in counselling individuals on the results.
