A biological barcode for tracking biospecimens from collection to analysis
Establishing the correct identity of biosamples is crucial to the integrity of research studies. Even low error rates in sample identification can have a significant, negative impact on results. Until now, tracing the incorrect identification of samples has been impossible because most samples do not contain a permanent identifier; instead a label is placed on a physical container. This can lead to misidentification of samples due to label damage, loss, or human error.
To address these challenges, GenVault developed GenCodeID. Each GenPlate with GenCodeID contains a unique biological barcode, which is embedded within each element of the GenPlate. This barcode permanently identifies each biosample and remains with the sample even after it is eluted from the FTA paper. GenCodeID uses a set of non-human oligonucleotides, which are applied to each FTA paper element of a GenPlate during the manufacturing process. A binary code is represented by the presence (“1”) or absence (“0”) of each oligonucleotide. In the decoding process, the binary code represented by the oligonucleotide mixture is converted to a decimal number. By matching the decimal number predicted from the decoding, to the actual barcode printed on a GenPlate , the source of an unknown sample can be identified.
To learn more about GenCodeID, download our application note
Features and Benefits of GenCodeID
• Permanent biological barcode for each unique sample, aliquots, and derivative samples, maintaining full chain of custody
• GenCodeID barcoding molecules co-purify with genomic DNA, enabling tracking during collection, purification and analysis
• GenPlates with GenCodeID provide a convenient format for performing quality control and spot checks
• The identity of an unknown sample can be verified with a small fraction of the purified DNA, preserving the remaining sample for downstream analysis
• Potential to apply GenCodeID directly to biospecimens such as purified DNA, purified RNA and whole blood, increasing the types of samples that can be barcoded
Figure 1. Overview of the GenCodeID decoding process. Each GenCodeID plate has a unique oligo combination. Purified genomic DNA or whole blood is applied to GenCodeID plates for long-term dry-state storage. Upon recovery, gDNA from a single element is eluted in GenSolve. A Samples may be used for test-decoding from the GenSolve or the gDNA may be purified. The presence of GenCode-ID oligos does not interfere with gDNA purification, as shown by the gel image: Lane 1, 25 ng human control gDNA (Roche); Lane 2, 1 kb ladder; Lanes 3-12 20 µl of gDNA eluted in 200 µl (each lane is DNA from one GenPlate element).
Figure 2. Outline of the relationship between oligo combinations and the barcode printed on a GenPlate. A unique barcode is printed on each plate both as a decimal number a conventional barcode image. A binary code is represented by the presence (“1”) or absence (“0”) of up to 25 different oligos. Each GenCodeID oligo comprises three elements: a unique identification (ID) tag, a detection tag that is common to all GenCodeID oligos and 10-base non-hybridizing leader.