Consensus Rules in Variant Detection from Next-Generation Sequencing Data

<div><p>A critical step in detecting variants from next-generation sequencing data is <em>post hoc</em> filtering of putative variants called or predicted by computational tools. Here, we highlight four critical parameters that could enhance the accuracy of called single nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions: quality and deepness, refinement and improvement of initial mapping, allele/strand balance, and examination of spurious genes. Use of these sequence features appropriately in variant filtering could greatly improve validation rates, thereby saving time and costs in next-generation sequencing projects.</p>