dbGaP :The database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP)








The database of Genotypes and Phenotypes (dbGaP) was developed to archive and distribute the results of studies that have investigated the interaction of genotype and phenotype. Such studies include genome-wide association studies, medical sequencing, molecular diagnostic assays, as well as association between genotype and non-clinical traits. The advent of high-throughput, cost-effective methods for genotyping and sequencing has provided powerful tools that allow for the generation of the massive amount of genotypic data required to make these analyses possible.
dbGaP provides two levels of access - open and controlled - in order to allow broad release of non-sensitive data, while providing oversight and investigator accountability for sensitive data sets involving personal health information. Summaries of studies and the contents of measured variables as well as original study document text are generally available to the public, while access to individual-level data including phenotypic data tables and genotypes require varying levels of authorization.
The data in dbGaP will be pre-competitive, and will not be protected by intellectual property patents. Investigators who agree to the terms of dbGaP data use may not restrict other investigators' use of primary dbGaP data by filing intellectual property patents on it. However, the use of primary data from dbGaP to develop commercial products and tests to meet public health needs is encouraged.

Submission Policy

Submitters who are not Federally-funded and affiliated with an NIH IC will need to work with an NIH DAC so that proposed submission can be reviewed for consistency with appropriate policies to protect the privacy of research participants and confidentiality of their data. Submissions to dbGaP will not be accepted without assurance that the submitting institution approves the submission and has verified that the data submission is consistent with all applicable laws and regulations, as well as institutional policies. Submitters must also identify any limits on research uses of the data that are specifically set by individual research participants, e.g., through their informed consent.

Data Content and Organization

Open-Access Data
Open-access data can be browsed online or downloaded from dbGaP without prior permission or authorization. These data will include, but may not be limited to, the following:

dbGaP Data TypeWhere to Find It
Studies'Study' column when browsing studies
Result of a search under the tab 'Studies'
Part of the breadcrumb path of a variable or document
Study DocumentsLink from 'Browse Studies'
Link under 'Associated Documents' on study report
Result of a search under the tab 'Study Documents'
Phenotypic VariablesLink under 'Browse Studies'
Link under 'Associated Variables' on study report
Result of a search under the tab 'Variables'
Genotype-Phenotype AnalysesLink under 'Associated Analyses' on variable report
Link under 'Associated Analyses' on study report