Instructions for animal sampling

Theoretically, it is possible to isolate DNA from any biological sample. Genomia Laboratory performs isolation of genomic DNA from blood, cheek swabs, hair roots, feathers and other tissues (skin, placental tissue, internal organs etc.)

The most reliable source of high quality DNA is peripheral blood sample. Blood sampling has to be performed by an veterinarian in contrary to cheek swabs, which can be sampled by the owner. To provide the necessary number of cells for DNA isolation, the swabbing has to be done very thoroughly.

Depending on customer's wishes laboratory sends out the Blood Collection Kit or the Cheek Swab Collection Kit. Price for the kit is 2.08 Eur (No matter how many tubes or brushes are included in the Kit. Price is for one packet shipping.). In case no DNA would be possible to isolate (bad sampling, laboratory fault, damage to the sample during transport) the customer will be sent new sampling kit free of charge.

You may need a confirmation of sample origin that the veterinarian should fill in. See Confirmation of sample origin

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1. Instructions for blood sampling
   (suitable for dogs, cats, cattle, birds)
2. Instructions for cheek swabs sampling
   (suitable for dogs, cats, cattle, horses)
3. Instructions for feather sampling
   (suitable for birds)
4. Instructions for taking samples of a eggshell
   (suitable for birds)
5. Instructions for horsehair sampling
   (suitable for horses)

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Instructions for blood sampling (suitable for dogs, cats, cattle, birds)

Blood sampling is performed by a veterinarian!
Blood Sampling kit will be sent out to you after completing of the ordering form.

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Kit includes:

• sterile tube with anticoagulant (EDTA)
• sealable bag with a label
• postal envelope with return address

Blood sample can also be drawn during an appointment with your veterinarian, without us having sent a collection kit to you. Just inform your veterinarian about required sample volume and test tube type (violet top).

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Blood sampling procedure:

1. Use new sterile syringe and needle for each animal.
2. Collect unclotted blood into the test tube with EDTA, 0.5 to 1 ml of full blood is enough for successful analysis.
3. Invert the tube several times to mix the blood with anticoagulant thoroughly.
4. Put the tube into labelled bag and seal well.
5. Legibly write sample identification (sample number if you know it) on the label.
6. Store tube in the refrigerator (do NOT freeze) and dispatch as soon as possible.
7. While packing, make sure the tube can't be broken ant the contents spilled during transport (wrap the tube in some serviette).
8. Samples should be dispatched through regular mail to:

Genomia 
Teslova 3
30100 Pilsen
Czech Republic, EU

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Instructions for cheek swabs sampling (suitable for dogs, cats, cattle)

Cheek swabs sampling is performed by owner!
Cheek Swabs Sampling Kit will be sent out to you after completing of the ordering form.

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Kit includes:

• 2 sterile brushes
• small envelope for brush lodgement
• postal envelope with return address

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Cheek swab sampling procedure:

1. The animal's oral cavity should be clean. It is recommended not to serve food or water for 15 minutes before sampling.

2. Legibly write sample identification (sample number if you know it) on the small envelope.

3. Repeat following process (A-D) with both brushes:

• A) Remove the brush from its cover. Take care not to touch other tissues except sampled animal's mucosa.
• B) With the tip of the brush, swab the inside of the cheek for at least 5 seconds. Change the direction of movement and rotate the brush gently. Be thorough. In the end of sampling a visible amount of material should be collected.
• C) Hold the brush to dry for several seconds (a minute).
• D) Insert the brush into small envelope.

4. Seal up the small envelope with both brushes inside.

5. Pack into addressed envelope and dispatch as soon as possible. Samples should be dispatched through regular mail to:

Genomia 
Teslova 3
30100 Pilsen
Czech Republic, EU

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Sampling of nursed kittens or puppies:

Swab kittens or puppies about 30 minutes after last nursing to avoid sample contamination with mother's cells! Detach each puppy from mother and siblings for about 20 minutes before sampling to avoid mutual licking. It is better to feed the young ones with normal food and than wait for about 20 minutes without eating and drinking.

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Instructions for taking samples of a eggshell (suitable for birds)

1. Remove the shell immediately after bird hatching.
2. It is important to avoid confusion of shells. It must be clear to which bird the appropriate shell belongs. The shell can be marked on the outer surface.
3. Don´t touch the material inside the egg. The fibre/umbilical cord on the shell inside surface is important for the genetic test.
4. If the shell is contaminated with the excrements, wipe it carefully clean with a moistened napkin.
5. Let the shell dry in the air for approx. 24 hours. It has to be dry from both sides. Put the shell in small plastic or paper box. This will help prevent crushing of the shell during transport.
6. Marked a box with identification data of the bird.
7. Then, put the box containing the shell in envelope (a bubble envelope at the best) and send it to the address of our laboratory:

Genomia s.r.o.
Teslova 3
301 00 Plzeň
Czech Republic
Europe

Brief instructions for taking feather samples.

1. Pull out at least 5 to 7 fine feathers. The feathers must not be lost feathers or cut ones.

2. Insert the feathers in a clean envelope and seal the envelope.
3. Mark the envelope with unambiguous identification of the sample (e.g., assigned sample number or another identification).
4. Insert the marked envelope to another envelope to which laboratory address is to be written as follows:

Genomia
Teslova 3
301 00 Plzen
Czech Republic

5. Send the sample by standard mail.