Used leucodepletion filters as a source of large quantities of DNA suitable for the study of genetic variations in human populations

summary. A simple technique for developing large control panels with large quantities of DNA suitable for studies in population genetics was established. Background and objectives Both a lack of suitable controls and insufficient quantities of DNA for repeated analysis of the same control group often hamper the investigation of genetic markers for disease. Materials and methods Using a waste product from routine blood donation, we describe a simple method that allows the investigator to extract large amounts of DNA. Results A mean of 1520 µg of DNA per sample was obtained. The DNA obtained remains suitable for polymerase chain reaction and sequencing techniques after 2 years of storage at both 4 °C and −40 °C. Conclusion This technique allows the development of a large panel of controls with sufficient quantities of genomic DNA for thousands of tests.