Intended Use
ECACC Human Random Control (HRC) DNA Panels are intended as an aid to determining the characteristics of DNA from apparently normal, randomly selected subjects as a basis for comparison with DNA from subjects that have been selected for particular phenotypic characters. The DNA arrays are designed for single use and can be used directly in automated gene analysis systems.

Description
HRC DNA is extracted from lymphoblastoid cell lines derived by Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) transformation of peripheral blood lymphocytes from fresh, single donor blood samples. The donors are all UK Caucasian and are characterised by gender and age at venesection. All donors have given written, informed consent for their blood to be used for research purposes.

The DNA is extracted and purified using standard techniques that yield high molecular weight material, as verified by agarose gel electrophoresis. The composition of each panel is completely defined and standardised so that each product lot will be identical. The identity of each product lot is checked using STR DNA profiling. Consequently ECACC HRC DNA Panels can be used as Reference Standard material as an aid to routine quality control in the laboratory.

Sample details
The table below provides the individual sample designation, sex (M = male F = female), and age of donor at venesection (e.g. 31yr) if known.

Amount and concentration of DNA
The DNA concentration is measured using the ds DNA Quantitation kit (Molecular Probes, USA) on a Fluroskan Ascent from Labsystems (Type 374).

The DNA is dissolved in 10mM Tris (pH8) 1mM EDTA to preserve the quality of the DNA.

Storage
ECACC DNA arrays are supplied frozen to preserve quality and also to facilitate handling. On receipt, panels should be stored at -80°C. The DNA array presentation is intended for single use although, with care, repeat use is possible. After thawing, panel can be stored at 2-8 °C for 6 months, provided precautions are taken to prevent fluid loss by evaporation.

Repeated freeze-thawing cycles can damage the DNA and should be avoided.

Use of DNA Panels
Remove the panel from its polythene bag / packaging and make sure this Data Sheet is retained safely. Do not remove the foil seal.

Place the panel on a level surface, top uppermost and allow to thaw. Centrifuge the plate to force all the fluid to the bottom of the well. Do not remove the foil seal until these precautions have been observed.

Important - If it is not possible to centrifuge the plates then the foil seal must be removed immediately after removal from freezer storage. (If the plate is allowed to thaw, liquid may condense on the underside of the foil seal.)

Alternatively the foil seal may be pierced using a sharp point to allow access to micropipette tips. This approach minimises the risk of cross contamination associated with the action of peeling off the foil seal.

Use a micropipette to withdraw the required amount of DNA solution from the array.

Warnings and Precautions
Avoid cross contamination between different samples comprising an array. Do not repeatedly use the same foil seal. Remove the seal with care. Use clean pipette tips for each specimen.

The master cell banks used to prepare the DNA extracts are taken from 'low risk' normal blood donors. However it is recommended that standard laboratory precautions for handling potentially infectious material should be employed.

Limitations of Use
ECACC DNA Panels are intended for research use only.