Skip to content
VAMS LABS™ · sequencing

Understand the sequencing methods behind the data.

From 16S rRNA amplicon profiling to shotgun metagenomics, VAMS LABS™ sequencing is designed for reproducibility and matched to your research question — with method limitations shown clearly.

Request Sequencing Scoping See the Sample Workflow
16S rRNA ampliconShotgun metagenomicsMetatranscriptomics (scoped)Method-aware explanationsNo pricing logicNo diagnostic claims

Methods

Amplicon and shotgun methods, matched to the question

Three methods, three levels of detail — and three different sets of limits. The best method is matched to your question, sample type and design; more depth is not automatically more useful.

Amplicon and shotgun methods, matched to the question
Method Best for Can show Cannot show Status
16S rRNA amplicon Community-level composition and diversity across many samples. Genus-level taxonomy, diversity, community structure. Reliable species/strain resolution or functional activity. Available via validated workflows
Shotgun metagenomics Deeper taxonomic resolution and functional-potential context. Species-level structure and genomic functional potential. Active expression (potential ≠ activity); clinical diagnosis. Available via validated workflows
Metatranscriptomics (RNA) Expression context where sample quality and design support it. Functional expression context under supported conditions. Guaranteed results where RNA quality is insufficient. Requires scoping
ITS (fungal) Fungal/mycobiome community context, project-dependent. Fungal community composition where supported. Public availability is not guaranteed — discuss during scoping. Requires scoping
Long-read / full-length 16S Higher-resolution amplicon reads — subject to verification. Discussed during scoping; not a public offering here. Not asserted as available until verified. Not publicly claimed

Where sequencing sits

Sequencing within the broader sample journey

  1. 1

    Sample & preservation

    Sample type and preservation determine handling readiness.

  2. 2

    Extraction & library prep

    Extraction and library preparation are QC-aware and method-matched.

  3. 3

    Sequencing

    Sequencing is VAMS-supported or coordinated via approved partner labs.

  4. 4

    Bioinformatics

    Reproducible analysis produces research-ready tables and figures.

How depth changes the output

What sequencing depth can show later

High-level microbiome profile summary for 16S
Deeper organism and pathway-potential context for shotgun
Expression-context signals for metatranscriptomics, where quality supports it
Reproducible feature tables and diversity summaries at every level

Governance

Trust comes from precise language

Clear method scope Visible confidence cues No diagnostic or treatment claims Partner-lab processing where applicable Reproducible pipeline documentation Research-use framing

FAQ

Sequencing questions

Which method should we use?

It depends on your research question, sample type and budget — not a ranking. 16S gives a broad community baseline; shotgun metagenomics adds species-level and functional-potential detail; metatranscriptomics adds expression context where quality supports it. We confirm method fit during scoping.

Can you work with our extracted DNA/RNA or FASTQ files?

Yes — this is confirmed during scoping. We can discuss projects that start from biological material, extracted nucleic acids, or existing sequencing data, subject to QC and method fit.

Do you perform the sequencing in-house?

Laboratory processing may be performed by approved partner laboratories depending on region, assay and project scope. What is VAMS-supported vs partner-coordinated is confirmed during scoping.

Are results diagnostic?

No. Outputs are research-use, educational or wellness-oriented and method-bounded unless a separately approved, formally contracted pathway exists.

Continue

Methods and workflow

Sample workflow → Technology platforms → Quality & validation → Reference methods → Research collaboration →

Match a sequencing approach to your study

Our team can help you select depth and method for your cohort, sample type and endpoints, and explain the controls and pipeline versioning behind each.

Request Sequencing Scoping See the Sample Workflow