RESEARCH LOGISTICS
Initially extensive detailed plans are formulated with scientists from the region where the collection will be performed. This aspect of the process is critical since it involves the selection of collection sites, the identification of specific donors and all the logistical details. During the actual collection, peripheral blood is obtained for immediate DNA extraction as soon as the samples reach the laboratory. Care is taken to ensure that the individuals sampled actually belong to the population of interest and are not a mixture of different groups. In the laboratory, a portion of the blood is used to isolate the white blood cells, which are then infected with a virus to transform them and make them immortal. Immortalized cells, as the name implies, are capable of growing and multiplying forever as long as nutrients and adequate growing conditions are provided. They can be even frozen, preserved, and revived, allowing them to grow again in culture. Since different human groups are differentially susceptible or resistant to many genetic diseases, these preserved cells and DNA will allow future investigation and treatment of diseases. If they are not preserved today, the relative purity of these populations will be lost forever by admixture.
