DNA Banking for Epidemiologic Studies: A Review of Current Practices

To study genetic risk factors for common diseases, researchers have begun collecting DNA specimens in large epidemiologic studies and surveys. However, little information is available to guide researchers in selecting the most appropriate specimens. In an effort to gather the best information for th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.) Mass.), 2002-05, Vol.13 (3), p.246-254
Main Authors: Steinberg, Karen, Beck, Jeanne, Nickerson, Deborah, Garcia-Closas, Montserrat, Gallagher, Margaret, Caggana, Michele, Reid, Yvonne, Cosentino, Mark, Ji, Jay, Johnson, Delene, Hayes, Richard B., Earley, Marie, Lorey, Fred, Hannon, Harry, Khoury, Muin J., Sampson, Eric
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Biological Specimen Banks - standards
Blood
Blood specimen collection
Cell lines
Cheek
Cryopreservation
DNA
DNA - blood
DNA - isolation & purification
Epidemiologic Studies
Epidemiology
Genotype
Humans
Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects)
Lymphocytes
Lymphocytes - blood
Medical genetics
Medical sciences
Miscellaneous. Technology
Mouth Mucosa - cytology
Mouthwashes
Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques
Quality Control
Specimen Handling - methods
Specimens
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Summary:To study genetic risk factors for common diseases, researchers have begun collecting DNA specimens in large epidemiologic studies and surveys. However, little information is available to guide researchers in selecting the most appropriate specimens. In an effort to gather the best information for the selection of specimens for these studies, we convened a meeting of scientists engaged in DNA banking for large epidemiologic studies. In this discussion, we review the information presented at that meeting in the context of recent published information. Factors to be considered in choosing the appropriate specimens for epidemiologic studies include quality and quantity of DNA, convenience of collection and storage, cost, and ability to accommodate future needs for genotyping. We focus on four types of specimens that are stored in these banks: (1) whole blood preserved as dried blood spots; (2) whole blood from which genomic DNA is isolated, (3) immortalized lymphocytes from whole blood or separated lymphocytes, prepared immediately or subsequent to cryopreservation; and (4) buccal epithelial cells. Each of the specimens discussed is useful for epidemiologic studies according to specific needs, which we enumerate in our conclusions.
ISSN:1044-3983
1531-5487
DOI:10.1097/00001648-200205000-00003