Biological samples from The HUNT Study

Biological samples from The HUNT Study

Different sorts of biological materials were collected in The HUNT Study.

HUNT1 collected only serum among those with known diabetes.

HUNT2 collected serum and full blood, and DNA was extracted from the last.

HUNT3 and HUNT4 aimed for the collection of different sample types from all participants, and established fixed procedures for sample taking, transport and storage. Part of the samples were analyzed immediately, and the results of these analyses are available from our databank. Some samples were stored for later use, and it is possible to apply for use of these samples in research projects.

In addition to samples, HUNT Research Centre offers the results of analyses from earlier projects - see variables at HUNT Databank.

Also, GWAS analyses were performed for all participants HUNT received blood samples from. More about the GWAS analyses can be found on the website of the K.G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology. You can also find information on how to apply for the use of GWAS data, and a number of SNP's with known associations from previous studies

The table below gives an overview of sample types and numbers in The HUNT Study as a whole and how they are stored.

 
  HUNT1 HUNT2 HUNT3 Young-HUNT3 HUNT4 Young-HUNT4 Liquid Nitrogen -80 d. Celcius -20 d. Celcius Room temperature
Participation (1) 77721 65237 50807 8200 (2) 55500 8124        
DNA   63000 28100 (3)   18700 (4)     x x  
Buffy coat     48100   52800     x    
ACD     40700       x      
NaHep     25400       x x    
Plasma     49000   53100   x x    
Serum 473 64500 50100   54500   x x    
Tempus, RNA     14800         x    
Urine (spot urine)     12000   26900     x    
Urine, MA     5700         x    
FTA card       8400           x
Feces         13300       x  
Saliva         17100     x    
Saliva (Oragene DNA)           7100       x

Source1

(1) S Krokstad, A Langhammer, K Hveem, TL  Holmen, K Midthjell, TR Stene, G Bratberg, J Heggland and J Holmen. Cohort Profile: The HUNT Study, Norway. Int J Epidemiol. 2013 Aug;42(4):968-77. doi: 10.1093/ije/dys095.

Source2

(2) Turid Lingaas Holmen, Grete Bratberg, Steinar Krokstad, Arnulf Langhammer, Kristian Hveem,Kristian Midthjell, Jon Heggland, Jostein Holmen. Cohort profile of the Young-HUNT Study, Norway: A population-based study of adolescents. Int J Epidemiol (2014) 43 (2): 536-544.

Source3

(3) DNA is available from HUNT3 participants  who did not participate in HUNT2. We have buffy coat available from nearly all HUNT3 participants, and can extract DNA on request.

Source 4

(4) DNA is available from HUNT4 participants  who did not participate in HUNT3. We have buffy coat available from nearly all HUNT3 participants, and can extract DNA on request.
Sample numbers  as per 01.01.2021