dbGaP FAQ Archive

Contains general information about the nature of the data contained in dbGaP: information about the characteristics of a specific study's data; general information that applies to all data sets; as well as whether or not certain types of data or tools are part of dbGaP's content.

• Individual-level Data: General Questions
• Analytical Tool Availability

Contains general information about completing and submitting a Data Access Request (DAR) that, once approved, will allow you authorized access to dbGaP's controlled-access data. The information in this section ranges from password management, to a quick step-by step of how to complete the DAR and electronically sign it. This section also provides instructions about altering a completed and signed DAR, and information about password and request management for Signing Officials (SOs).

• Starting Point to Applying for dbGaP Data
• Authorized Access System Login
• Data and Other Information Related to Controlled Access
• Applying for Controlled Access Data
• Revise, Amend, and Update Existing Application
• Contact Information
• Expiration Date, Renewal, Project Suspension, and Closeout
• Account Suspension
• Collaborators
• Signing Officials (SO)

Contains information about how to request, download and extract individual-level data contained in dbGaP, as well as instructions for those with common request, download, and extraction problems. <br> <b>Please Note:</b> All the FAQs in this section assume that you have completed the dbGaP data access request process, and have been granted authorized access to individual level data. If you do not have authorized access to dbGaP individual-level data, accessing individual-level data using the instructions here will not be possible, as you will not have access to the appropriate password-protected dbGaP sites mentioned.

• Downloading Data
• Decrypting and Extracting Data
• Data Sample and Subject ID Mapping

Contains general information about accessing data in dbGaP that range from determining where the data you are looking for is located and the definition of “Embargo Release Dates”, to the need for institutional affiliation to access data and how to manage your eRA passwords.

• Data Sharing Policy
• Informed Consent for Genomic Research
• Citing dbGaP in a Publication
• Data Availability
• Summary-Level Data
• Institutional Affiliation and Data Access

Contains general information about where you might find specific information in dbGaP, and how you might search dbGaP for specific information.

• Data Availability
• How to Search for Specific Information in a Particular Study

Contains general information about the dbGaP submission process.

• Beginning the Submission Process
• NIH ICs that Support GWAS

Contains general information about and for Data Access Committees (DACs).

• Responding to Requests (DACs)