Use of Dried Blood Spots: An Ideal Tool for Medical Anthropology "in the Field"

Abstract

The use of dried whole blood spot samples provides medical anthropological researchers-especially those working in remote, isolated communities-with several advantages over traditional methods. Anthropological research utilizing venous-drawn blood samples can create challenges in terms of phlebotomy training, personnel needs, storage and transportation requirements, and participant discomfort. Alternatively, research utilizing dried blood spot samples, via finger stick collection techniques, eliminates or reduces these problems greatly. While the use of dried blood spots is often the best sampling option for anthropologists or other population-level researchers, the method does have some limitations. Nevertheless, as the number of dried blood spot analyte protocols continues to increase, the logistical and participant advantages of dried blood spot methods assure their increased utility in biomedical anthropological research in the future.

Whole genome sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum from dried blood spots using selective whole genome amplification

“…Finger-prick sampling requires less advanced training than VB draws, collects ~50× less blood, and is more convenient for most patient groups. Unlike VB draws, DBS samples also do not require special facilities for transportation, refrigeration, and storage, since the blotted paper is stabilized by the membrane that preserves genetic integrity [23, 24]. VB sampling is thus relatively limited in geographic range, restricted to locations with well-established and resourced clinics.…”

“…VB sampling is thus relatively limited in geographic range, restricted to locations with well-established and resourced clinics. Sequencing from DBS samples would break this technical bottleneck, allowing significant expansion of sample collection to include very remote regions, increasing sampling density and coverage [23, 24]. …”

Cost-Effective and Scalable DNA Extraction Method from Dried Blood Spots

“…Cotton fibers are Ͼ90% cellulose. The simplicity and low cost of sample collection, transport, and storage and the stability of specific biomarkers (3 ) made the DBS the specimen of choice for NBS and an important sampling mechanism for clinical and basic research in fields ranging from pediatrics to medical anthropology and environmental studies (3)(4)(5). Guthrie cards or DBSs represent an important population-based resource containing biochemical, immunological, environmental, and genomic information that is important from the public health perspective.…”

“…Primers flanking exonic and promoter regions of the genes galactosylceramidase (GALC), 4 medium and very long chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenases [acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, C-4 to C-12 straight chain (ACADM) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, very long chain ACADVL)], galactose-1-phosphate uridyl transferase (GALT), and phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) were designed in the NYS NBS program using the Primer3 ™ free software available at http://frodo.wi.mit.edu/primer3/.…”

A Powerful Couple in The Future of Clinical Biochemistry: In Situ Analysis of Dried Blood Spots by Ambient Mass Spectrometry

“…Today, the fields of application of DBS are varied and not exclusive to newborn screening or expanded newborn screening. Some more recent examples include the use of DBS in surveillance studies [72], for medical anthropological research [73], pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic studies [74] and genetic studies [75]. As mentioned above, the utilization of DBS samples offers many advantages regarding collecting, processing, infectious hazard risk, Table 1.…”