A series of reports outlining methods for making future sample collection more consistent have been published by CLOSER.
Biological samples such as blood, urine and saliva are routinely collected by many cohort studies.
Across the cohorts different methods have been used for processing, storing and analysing biological samples. This needs to be taken into account when comparing samples collected by different studies.
These resource reports aim to develop consistent protocols to improve future sample collections.
The reports were produced by Dr Susan Ring, Dr Alix Groom and Dr Shavanthi Rajatileka, of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, at the University of Bristol.
The authors have produced an overview of the biological samples available for analysis across the CLOSER studies, and a review of information contained in the consent documents given to study participants.
In their second report they have outlined a consistent protocol to analyse cell lines from individuals with different genetic backgrounds.
The final document investigates how analysis of samples can be affected by processing and storage conditions, and suggests methods to improve the collection and use of future samples.
CLOSER reports
Download Harmonisation of strategies for exploitation of biological sample collections
Download Development of functional assays in lymphoblastoid cell lines
Download Effects of sample processing on the metabolome and proteome