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Updated: May 13, 2026

Detection of Rare Genomic Variants from Pooled Sequencing Using SPLINTER
Published on: June 23, 2012
Two algorithms for biospecimen comparison and differentiation using SNP genotypes
Scott Morris1, Esma S Gel, Jordan V Smith
1International Genomics Consortium, Suite 300, 445 North 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA. smorris@intgen.org
Aims:
Biobanks are frequently required to verify specimen relationships. We present two algorithms to compare SNP genotype patterns that provide an objective, high-throughput tool for verification.
Methods:
The first algorithm allows for comparison of all holdings within a biobank, and is well suited to construct sample relationships de novo for comparison with assumed relationships. The second algorithm is tailored to oncology, and allows one to confirm that paired DNAs from malignant and normal tissues are from the same individual in the presence of copy number variations. To evaluate both algorithms, we used an internal training data set (n = 1504) and an external validation data set (n = 1457).
Results:
In comparison with the results from manual review and a priori knowledge of patient relationships, we identified no errors in interpreting sample relationships within our validation data set.
Conclusion:
We provide an efficient and objective method of automated data analysis that is currently lacking for establishing and verifying specimen relationships in biobanks.
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