National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

How to Access the Genetic Data Sets

Restricted Data Sets

Proposals to analyze genetic data sets may be submitted to the Research Data Center (RDC) on a rolling basis. For additional information on submission guidelines, please go to the RDC website. Contact NHANESGenetics@CDC.gov for more information.

Research Data Center Cost Schedule

Currently, all secondary data analysis of NHANES genetic data must be performed at our RDC at the National Center for Health Statistics in Hyattsville, Maryland, RDC on the CDC campus in Atlanta, Georgia, or through the remote system (ANDRE). There is a cost associated with using this center and these fees can be found in the Guidelines for Use of the Research Data Center [PDF – 141 KB] under the heading “Costs for Using the RDC”.

DNA Samples

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) will not be receiving DNA proposals in 2012. NHANES is changing its plan for making DNA available for genetic research and its proposal guidelines. NHANES anticipates that the DNA Bank will be open for proposals approximately January 2013. View the Federal Register notice, “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) DNA Samples”. Please inquire to NHANESGenetics@CDC.gov if you have any additional questions.

Anonymized Data Sets

Access to the anonymized data sets does not require IRB approval because they are no longer linkable to any other data sets. These data sets contain a set number of variables.

Individuals requesting anonymized data sets must enter in a data use agreement with DHANES/NCHS stating that they will not transfer these data to a third party and will return the data at the termination of the project.

For access to genetic data in this category, please contact us at NHANESGenetics@CDC.gov.