We are still in time to collect DNA samples for genetic studies. Let us explain how!

During childbirth, with the consent of the families, we collected cord blood and placenta samples for genetic studies. However, for some families we have not been able to make the collection for various reasons. Now, at the 4-year visit, we have the opportunity to collect saliva from the children to do genetic studies.

How will we do it?

Too easy! We will first ask the family for their consent. Then, in the presence of the parents, we will ask the infant to begin little by little to pour saliva into a special tube until completing the necessary limit indicated by the line. Finally, we will close the tube and store it. The collection is fast, non-invasive and innocuous. Once the samples are collected, they are sent to the laboratory for processing.

What is the goal?

The objective is to genotype the extracted DNA, this technique allows us to:

• Identify genetic variants associated with complex phenotypes such as asthma or ADHD.
• Study the interactions between genetic variants and environmental factors. As, for example: “Do infants with a genetic predisposition for asthma have a higher risk of suffering from asthma in episodes of air pollution than those who do not have this genetic predisposition”?

The infants feel protagonists, and we take the opportunity to begin to explain to them the importance of their effort, and that, in this way, they are doing SCIENCE.

We will write down your curiosities and questions in the BISC newspaper, they will surprise us!

This post has been written by Cecilia Persavento, fieldworker at the BiSC Project.