Observational study on variability between biobanks in the estimation of DNA concentration.
BACKGROUND
There is little confidence in the consistency of estimation of DNA concentrations when samples move between laboratories. Evidence on this consistency is largely anecdotal. Therefore there is a need first to measure this consistency among different laboratories and then identify and implement remedies. A pilot experiment to test logistics and provide initial data on consistency was therefore conceived.


METHODS
DNA aliquots at nominal concentrations between 10 and 300 ng/mul were dispensed into the wells of 96-well plates by one participant - the coordinating centre. Participants estimated the concentration in each well and returned estimates to the coordinating centre.


RESULTS
Considerable overall variability was observed among estimates. There were statistically significant differences between participants' measurements and between fluorescence emission and absorption spectroscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Anecdotal evidence of variability in DNA concentration estimation has been substantiated. Reduction in variability between participants will require the identification of major sources of variation, specification of effective remedies and their implementation.
Brown
Jay
J
Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. Jay.Brown@cmmc.nhs.uk
Donev
Alexander N
AN
Aslanidis
Charalampos
C
Bracegirdle
Pippa
P
Dixon
Katherine P
KP
Foedinger
Manuela
M
Gwilliam
Rhian
R
Hardy
Matthew
M
Illig
Thomas
T
Ke
Xiayi
X
Krinka
Dagni
D
Lagerberg
Camilla
C
Laiho
Päivi
P
Lewis
David H
DH
McArdle
Wendy
W
Patton
Simon
S
Ring
Susan M
SM
Schmitz
Gerd
G
Stevens
Helen
H
Tybring
Gunnel
G
Wichmann
H Erich
HE
Ollier
William E R
WE
Yuille
Martin A
MA