Third on-site training session for technical assistants

“Isolating DNA from blood and determining quality and quantity” was the subject of the third on-site training session for technical assistants from biobanks in the German Biobank Alliance (GBA). Due to the popularity of this training, two sessions were held in Hanover in January 2019. The participants were able to relate the outcomes of the GBA ring trials conducted in 2018 (on isolating DNA from tissue and blood samples) to their daily practical work in the lab. A total of 13 TAs from eight biobanks took part in the training.

Advantages and disadvantages of different methods – theoretical basis

Dr. Ronny Baber, head of Leipzig Medical Biobank (LIFE), shared background information on the subject: he began by explaining the basics of DNA isolation as well as the advantages and disadvantages of different isolation methods. He mainly focused on the further use of DNA, then outlined the basic principles for determining the quality and quantity of DNA, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each method. During the theoretical part of the training, special emphasis was placed on the results of the GBA ring trials: DNA was isolated and various quality indicators and the quantity of DNA were determined during both the tissue and blood ring trials.

Practical test: comparison of two DNA isolation methods

The second part of the training was devoted to practical implementation of the theory. The participants compared two methods to isolate DNA from blood: automated isolation with a robot using magnetic beads and manual purification using a kit. They once again determined the quality and quantity of DNA. In the ensuing discussion, they were able to provide feedback and suggest improvements for future workshops. “The feedback was very positive,” said Dr. Anne Schoneberg (UMG Biobank), who helped to organise the training. “We will evaluate the outcomes of the comparison of isolation methods together with the technical assistants during a webinar.” Preparations are already underway for the next on-site training session, which will look at peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).

Further training for technical assistants

The on-site training sessions are part of a large-scale further training programme for technical staff working at biobanks. Held several times a year, they cover a variety of different topics. With its training and the online training platform for technical assistants that is currently being set up, the German Biobank Node (GBN) is making a decisive contribution to the harmonisation of procedures within GBA biobanks and thus also to improving the quality of biosamples.

See here for more information on past on-site training:

More information on the GBA ring trial using tissue samples

Questions?

germanbiobanknode@charite.de

Tel. +49. 30. 450 536 347


Fax +49. 30. 450 753 69 38

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