====== Faecal samples ======

Lifelines has collected a surplus of faecal samples over the course of [[DAG3]] (2014-2016) in order to facilitate future study of the microbiome. These samples can be requested \\

===== Background =====

It is well known that the gut microbiome plays a very important role in our health. As part of the [[https://dutchmicrobiomeproject.molgeniscloud.org/menu/main/home|Dutch Microbiome Project]] (for further reading, consult the pages on [[DEEP|DAG1(DEEP)]], [[DAG2]], and [[DAG3]]) thousands of faecal samples of Lifelines participants were collected and sequenced.\\
These generated terabytes of data that can be used to unravel the role of the microbiome in the occurence of chronic disease.\\

==== Stool collection ====

Stool collection was performed at home by the participants, using materials (such as precoded tubes and pipets) provided by Lifelines. Participants were instructed to the store these biosamples in their home freezer immediately after collection.\\

==== Sample processing ====

At the Lifelines laboratory all faeces jars and tubes were stored at -80 degrees Celsius as soon as possible.\\