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DNA purity test

Sample plate

Blood samples

 

Technical Team

The Technical Team is responsible for all of the laboratory work that is carried out by the Unit. All of our volunteers provide a sample of blood for laboratory analysis. The Technical Team is responsible for the storage, tracking and analysis of all samples.

We have a collection of over one million samples from multiple studies that we must register, store, divide and distribute on a daily basis. All of the samples are tracked within a database from receipt through to analysis.

Blood samples are analysed for specific biochemical markers, such as glucose and insulin levels, and are also used as a source of DNA. DNA is the genetic material that is found in all of the cells in your body and which determines characteristics such as hair and eye colour.

The Technical Team is responsible for extracting the DNA from blood samples and then uses laboratory tests to analyse the genes within the DNA. We analyse the DNA we get for specific changes in the genetic code that may influence the chances of developing diabetes and obesity.

The laboratories at the MRC Epidemiology Unit are furnished with state-of-the-art technology. It is highly automated and has been designed to manage the large sample numbers that are associated with epidemiological research.