Whole genome sequencing requires an extremely high amount of sequencing throughput to generate a moderate depth of coverage. The data generated, while comprehensive, does not allow detection of mutations with as much sensitivity as a targeted approach. Exome sequencing is the most cost-effective and efficient solution.
A large portion of relevant mutations occur in the exome. In fact, the exome contains as many as 85% of disease-related mutations. Covering less than 2% of the whole genome, exome sequencing requires only 1/50th of the sequencing throughput to generate the same depth of coverage. This approach provides flexible experimental options: