Establishment of a method of anonymization of DNA samples in genetic research.
As the number of the genetic studies has rapidly increased in recent years, there has been growing concern that the privacy of the participants in such studies can be invaded unless effective measures are adopted to protect confidentiality. It is crucial for the scientific community to establish a method to anonymize DNA samples so that the public will trust genetic researchers. Here, we present a reliable and practical method of making DNA samples used in the genetic research anonymous. It assures complete anonymity by coding samples and personal information twice. Since it does not require equipment, such as bar-code readers or a software package, its cost is nominal compared with the laboratory costs. All institutions engaged in genetic research may wish to take measures such as the one described here to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of the participants in their genetic studies.
Hara
Kazuo
K
Department of Clinical Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.|Department of Metabolic Disease, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Ohe
Kazuhiko
K
Department of Planning, Information and Management, University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan.
Kadowaki
Takashi
T
Department of Metabolic Disease, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Kato
Naoya
N
Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Imai
Yasushi
Y
Department of Clinical Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Tokunaga
Katsushi
K
Department of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Nagai
Ryozo
R
Department of Clinical Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Omata
Masao
M
Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
D035041:Anonymous Testing; D003219:Confidentiality; D004247:DNA; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D030661:Genetic Privacy / Q000191:economics / Q000941:ethics; D036281:Genetic Research; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D008499:Medical Records / Q000191:economics
D004247:DNA