A fuzzy confidence value for DNA bases

A novel approach is presented for determining confidence values for bases called in DNA sequencing. The approach employs fuzzy logic, which forwards flexibility, adaptability and intuition through the use of linguistic variables and fuzzy membership. The proposed fuzzy logic-based method determines the confidence values based on the height, the peakness, and the spacing of the first most likely candidate (the base called) and the peakness and height for the second likely candidate. The technique has been tested on over 3000 ABI 3700 DNA files and the result has shown improved performance over the existing Phred's and ABTs quality value.