This term encompasses a variety of technologies that permit rapid sequencing of large numbers of segments of DNA, up to and including entire genomes. Massively parallel sequencing (also called next generation sequencing), therefore, is not a test in itself or a specific sequencing technology. The term emphasizes a distinction from initial approaches that involved sequencing of one DNA strand at a time.

Next generation sequencing (NGS), massively parallel or deep sequencing are related terms that describe a DNA sequencing technology which has revolutionised genomic research. Using NGS an entire human genome can be sequenced within a single day.