Test : DNA banking
Indications : Indications for DNA banking include:
• Later use by family
• Study by scientists
DNA for storage is obtained from samples of blood, buccal cells,
saliva or other tissues. The samples are collected and the DNA is isolated by standardized method and deep frozen until later use.
DNA banking is also used to store DNA of other species of animals and plants and is used extensively by scientists and animal and plant breeders. DNA banking also has been used to store the DNA of a few rare and endangered species to ensure their survival.
Physiology : DNA Banking is the means by which a person’s genetic material is securely stored on a long- term basis to be used later, when the need arises. DNA can be obtained for storage anytime during a person’s life but not after a person is buried or cremated.
The root cause of the vast majority of all diseases can be traced to our ancestry. It comes as no surprise to know that the
DNA of a great grandmother can hold the secret to diagnosing her great grandson’s disease.
By studying genetic material and by understanding and documenting the family history it is possible to analyze a person’s predisposition to develop certain diseases and to minimize the risk by taking appropriate measures.
Towards this end, it is useful to consider DNA banking as a step towards understanding one’s family medical history and to use that knowledge to improve the health of future generations.
Test Method : DNA isolation
Related Tests : Whole blood, tissue, cultured cells
References :
1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_bank
2. http://preventiongenetics.com/dna-banking/
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