Population Sciences Laboratory
Funded by Tobacco Settlement Funds
We are developing an archiving laboratory for long-term storage and tracking of samples utilizing sophisticated technologies for epidemiologic research. This facility will include:
- Individualized bar coding and tracking systems
- Cryogenic repository of blood components
- A room temperature-based, automated storage system for acquiring a large DNA library with emphasis on superb handling, including the use of robotics to eliminate cross contamination.
We will begin with whole blood, but the process is readily adaptable to other valuable research applications with human tissues (i.e., paraffin embedded tissue blocks, buccal swabs) and fluids (i.e., urine and saliva). Ultimately, the goal of this facility will be to provide well-characterized, readily tracked, long-term stabilized biological samples (i.e., blood, serum, plasma, DNA, lymphocytes) for use in research efforts that extend years into the future.
Our core capabilities for DNA extraction and genotyping are now fully functional. The use of these technologies requires highly skilled staff and the acquisition of certain front-end high-cost equipment items. Though initially a high-cost endeavor, the utility of such instrumentation to acquire hundreds more genotypes, a thousand-fold faster, with less sample will ultimately reduce the cost of our existing assays some hundred-fold while conserving our precious resources.
We are now working toward the creation of an institution-wide DNA archive linked to our epidemiologic database that is already operational in all clinics.