title: DNA banking for epidemiologic studies: a review of current practices.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Environmental Health Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724, USA. kks1@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Steinberg
authors.forename: Jeanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nickerson
authors.forename: Montserrat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Garcia-Closas
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gallagher
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caggana
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Reid
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cosentino
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ji
authors.forename: Delene
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: Richard B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Earley
authors.forename: Fred
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lorey
authors.forename: Harry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hannon
authors.forename: Muin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Khoury
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sampson
mesh_terms: D018070:Biological Specimen Banks / Q000592:standards*; D002610:Cheek; D015925:Cryopreservation; D004247:DNA / Q000097:blood* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000097:blood*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000166:cytology*; D011786:Quality Control; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004247:DNA