The Michigan Neonatal Biobank stores approximately four million samples that were collected from Michigan newborns during the past 25 years. In addition to their use in screening newborns for certain rare diseases, dried blood filter paper specimens have been used to detect a number of other conditions and substances. It is possible to measure, for example, lead and mercury levels and alcohol and tobacco exposure, and to look for environmental or genetic links to many childhood disorders. New nanotechnologies make it possible to measure thousands of genes, gene transcripts, proteins, metabolites, infectious agents, drugs, and toxins from small samples when stored under optimal conditions.

For approved studies the dried blood spot samples can also be linked by the Michigan Department of Community Health to newborn screening results and statewide disease registries, and to live birth and death records.

What can be measured using existing DBS?
More than 160 different analytes or polymorphisms are cited in literature as having been measured from dried blood spot specimens for epidemiological studies. The list includes not only biological markers such as DNA, but also infectious agents and potential environmental contaminants such as heavy metals.

What types of research questions might be addressed using DBS?

• Studies on genetic diseases and chronic diseases;
• Genomics and infectious disease;
• Prevalence studies.

Requesting Samples
Initial inquiries and requests for assistance with study design can be sent either to the Michigan Neonatal Biobank at welcome@mnbt.org or to the Michigan Department of Community Health at langboc@michigan.gov.

Requests for samples and linked datasets are submitted on the Request for Samples form (see the link to Forms, above).