Used leucodepletion filters as a source of large quantities of DNA suitable for the study of genetic variations in human populations.
A simple technique for developing large control panels with large quantities of DNA suitable for studies in population genetics was established.


OBJECTIVE
Both a lack of suitable controls and insufficient quantities of DNA for repeated analysis of the same control group often hamper the investigation of genetic markers for disease.


METHODS
Using a waste product from routine blood donation, we describe a simple method that allows the investigator to extract large amounts of DNA.


RESULTS
A mean of 1520 microg of DNA per sample was obtained. The DNA obtained remains suitable for polymerase chain reaction and sequencing techniques after 2 years of storage at both 4 degrees C and -40 degrees C.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique allows the development of a large panel of controls with sufficient quantities of genomic DNA for thousands of tests.
Cook
M A
MA
H&I, National Blood Service and Cancer Research UK Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK. mark.cook@nbs.nhs.uk
Jobson
S E
SE
Atkinson
D C
DC
Lowe
D P
DP
Farmer
S L
SL
Alvi-Ali
W J
WJ
Smith
N A
NA
Briggs
D C
DC
D001782:Blood Donors; D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D004247:DNA / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005374:Filtration; D005819:Genetic Markers; D036281:Genetic Research; D014644:Genetic Variation; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D005819:Genetic Markers; D004247:DNA