Project Details
Layman's description
The purpose of this project is to establish a bank of bloods collected from the umbilical cords of babies from the BABY (Born and Bred in Yorkshire) study when they are born. These blood samples, together with information being collected from parents and maternity records, will help provide the foundation of a valuable resource for cross-disciplinary research on how individuals’ genes interact with their lifestyles and health. This information will be of value to the NHS and other researchers now and in the future.
Key findings
The main aims were to develop and implement processes for the collection of cord blood samples from babies recruited to the BABY (Born and Bred in Yorkshire) study. One of the outcomes of project has been the establishment of a new collaboration with the technology facility located in the Department of Biology where the samples are being stored, and we would envisage that as the study expands that there would be the possibility of further collaborations. In addition, we have developed a new laboratory information management system which links all samples back to the main BABY database. This system can be used remotely both by those collecting the samples (e.g. NHS) as well as those processing the samples (Biology) and enables all samples to be fully tracked both with respect to their location and their use (e.g number of freeze thaw cycles). In addition, it has inbuilt reporting systems to allow researchers to obtain information about the number and type of sample which will be of clear benefit in the future. Furthermore, it has also been designed to allow inclusion of samples for future studies for example those from parents and siblings. In addition to developing the database, we have developed guidelines for the access to the biological samples as well as the associated paperwork to be completed by researchers requesting access. However, as the study is still actively recruiting families then at this stage the samples will not be made available to others.
Thus far blood samples have been obtained on over 400 children and it is anticipated that a further 1500 will be collected as part of BABY.
Thus far blood samples have been obtained on over 400 children and it is anticipated that a further 1500 will be collected as part of BABY.
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 1/07/12 → 31/03/13 |