Journal Article

DZNE-2026-01025

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Consensus recommendations for next-generation sequencing-based genetic testing in Rare Neurological diseases.

Maver, A. ; Lohmann, K. ; Urbanczyk, L.-M. ; Arnesen, A. ; Barić, I. ; Bauer, P. ; Bhatia, K. P. ; Boesch, S. ; Borovečki, F. ; Brüggemann, N. ; Fang, Z.-H.DZNE* ; Gabriel, H. ; Haack, T. B. ; Houlden, H. ; Janković, M. ; Kamsteeg, E.-J. ; Mancuso, M. ; Mascalzoni, D. ; Molnar, M. J. ; Münchau, A. ; Neveling, K. ; Novaković, I. ; Peterlin, B. ; Schols, L.DZNE* ; Schuermans, N. ; Shiels, K. ; Sturm, M. ; Taylor, R. ; Tijssen, M. A. J. ; Vissers, L. E. L. M. ; Williams, V. ; Graessner, H. ; Disorders, E. R. N. f. R. N. (Collaboration Author)

2026
Stockton Press Basingstoke

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1038/s41431-026-02198-4

Abstract: We recently established an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for next-generation sequencing (NGS) diagnostics in rare neurological disorders (RND) in collaboration with the EMQN. The first assessment rounds revealed limitations and variability in the quality and completeness of genetic testing reports. To improve and harmonize reporting in NGS-based diagnostics for RND, we identified 28 topics requiring recommendations based on EQA findings. These topics were grouped into four areas: clinical information, interpretation, methodology, and reporting. A team of 31 experts with relevant expertise was formed. Using an adapted Delphi approach, two rounds of surveys were conducted to prioritize the topics. Subsequently, area-specific expert groups met to formulate recommendations, followed by a final approval round using the five-finger consensus method involving all experts. In both Delphi rounds, all topics were rated as either very important (n = 12) or important (n = 16), and all were advanced for recommendation development. Consensus recommendations were achieved for 27 of the 28 topics. These include guidance on gene panel composition and updating, addressing disease-specific limitations of NGS (e.g., repeat expansion disorders), defining minimal quality parameters, and promoting sharing of variant interpretations. Each recommendation is supported by real-world examples. Due to differences in national healthcare frameworks and policies, consensus could not be reached regarding which patients should or should not undergo NGS testing. The dissemination of these recommendations is expected to improve the quality of genetic testing and reporting in RND diagnostics, promoting harmonization across laboratories and enabling easier comparison and interpretation of genetic testing reports.

Keyword(s): Humans (MeSH) ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing: standards (MeSH) ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing: methods (MeSH) ; Genetic Testing: standards (MeSH) ; Genetic Testing: methods (MeSH) ; Nervous System Diseases: genetics (MeSH) ; Nervous System Diseases: diagnosis (MeSH) ; Rare Diseases: genetics (MeSH) ; Rare Diseases: diagnosis (MeSH)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Parkinson Genetics (AG Gasser)
2. Clinical Neurogenetics (AG Schöls)

Research Program(s):

1. 353 - Clinical and Health Care Research (POF4-353) (POF4-353)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; ; ; BIOSIS Previews ; Biological Abstracts ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Life Sciences ; DEAL Springer ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; PubMed Central ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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