Genetic Studies

In collaboration with National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the Division of Laboratory Sciences (DLS) established a DNA specimen bank containing DNA samples from a representative cross-section of the U.S. population. DNA specimens were collected in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988-1994) and in subsequent NHANES cycles (1999-2002, 2007-2008, 2009-2010, and 2011-2012). Because these samples are representative of the genetic makeup of the U.S. population, they can be used in future investigations to:

1. Establish national prevalence data for DNA variants.
2. Establish the relation of specific variants to disease.
3. Increase understanding of genetic factors that relate host susceptibility to environmental exposures.

The DNA Bank is located at NCHS.