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URL: http://www.geisinger.org/research/centers_departments/genomics/mycode/mycode.html

Proper Citation: Geisinger Biobank (RRID:SCR_005652)

Description: By collecting and analyzing blood samples from Geisinger''s large patient population, MyCode will help unlock the mysteries of some of the most devastating and debilitating diseases. Blood samples are obtained from patients of certain Geisinger specialty clinics to study specific conditions, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease, and also from patients of Geisinger primary care clinics to provide a representative sample of the regional population. More than 60,000 samples from over 23,000 Geisinger patients have been collected so far, and sample collection is ongoing. MyCode researchers use the blood samples to study the genetic causes of diseases and certain disease-related molecular mediators. Knowledge gained from these studies will allow researchers to pursue innovative approaches to disease prevention, diagnosis and treatment. To be of value for Genomic Medicine research, bio-banked samples must be connected to clinical data: MyCode allows genetic and molecular data about the samples to be connected to medical data in a way that protects patient identity. When a patient agrees to participate in MyCode, blood samples for the MyCode Project are collected during blood draws ordered as part of the patient''s routine medical care. After the sample is drawn and labeled, a staff member from the Weis Center for Research transports the blood to the Geisinger Clinic Genomics Core (GCGC) where it is processed for storage. At this stage, all personal identification markers are removed and the samples are assigned a randomly-selected identification number. A secure key is maintained that allows approved researchers to connect the samples to the clinical data for genomic studies in a way that ensures confidentiality of the information. To maintain confidentiality of MyCode data the code linking the research numbers and the electronic health records are kept in a password-protected files accessible only to MyCode team members. Additionally, all results generated from the samples are reported as a group so that individuals are not identified. The samples are stored indefinitely.

Abbreviations: Geisinger Biobank

Resource Type: material resource, biomaterial supply resource

Keywords: gene, genetics, disease, clinical data, genomic medicine, genetic data, molecular data, blood, obesity, cardiovascular disease, other specific conditions, regional population