Revolutionary Genomic Test Rapidly Identifies Pathogens

Developed at UCSF, the mNGS test uses advanced sequencing to diagnose infections, offering a faster and more comprehensive approach to pathogen detection.

The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test can identify viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites from a single sample, streamlining the diagnostic process.
In a study of nearly 5,000 cerebrospinal fluid samples, the test accurately diagnosed 86% of neurological infections, including meningitis and encephalitis.
The test has been adapted for respiratory fluid, potentially serving as an early-warning system for future pandemics by detecting viruses like COVID-19 and influenza within 24 hours.
Despite its promise, the mNGS test is not yet FDA-approved and remains costly, with limited availability in specialized labs.
Researchers aim to reduce costs and processing times to enable broader use in hospitals, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for complex infections.