A method for characterizing a sample comprising genetic information, comprising: (i) receiving a plurality of sequencing signals from a sequencing operation for a sample, each of the plurality of sequencing signals representing a genetic sequence; (ii) setting, based on a received sequencing signal, a bit within a bit array to a first value for the received sequencing signal, wherein a set of one or more bits is associated with a unique received sequencing signal; (iii) calculating a rate of change of bits within the bit array as new sequencing signals are received; (iv) comparing the rate of change to a predetermined threshold; and (v) identifying the sequencing operation as insufficient if the rate of change is at or above the predetermined threshold, or identifying the sequencing operation as sufficient if the rate of change is at or below the predetermined threshold.