Download collection instructions in PDF

Collection of buccal sample is the most critical element to obtaining the best sample for DNA testing. It is very important that you follow this simple instructions to avoid foreign DNA sample contamination and to help minimize the possibility of failure. We strongly recommend reading the collection instructions prior to swabbing your pet.

Preparations

1. For several hours prior to swabbing, the pet should be isolated from toys or other objects that are shared by multiple dogs. Inspect your dog’s mouth to ensure there are no food particles or other material and rinse your dog’s mouth if needed. Do not provide food or drink during this period.
2. Be careful to avoid touching the inside of your pet’s mouth with your own hands.
3. When sampling multiple pets, first finish completely the sample collection from the first animal before you continue with the other one. Wash hands between pets or change your gloves if you are using them.
4. IMPORTANT: Once a swab has been removed from its sterile packaging, never touch the swab to anything other than the inside of the pet’s mouth.
5. ADVICE: If possible, cubs should be weaned prior to obtaining samples due to potential contamination from the mother’s cells. If the cubs have not been weaned, separate the cubs from the mother for at least two hours prior to swabbing and rinse each cub’s mouth with water. Do not provide food for the cubs, but do provide plenty of water to drink.
6. Be prepared to ship the samples on the same day in which you collect the samples.

Sampling

1. Use two collection swabs, one for each cheek.
2. Open the swab being careful not to let anything touch the tip of the swab, remove a sterile swab from its protective packaging.
3. Insert the swab between your pet’s cheek and gum. Use gentle outward pressure in a back-and-forth motion on the inside of your pet’s cheek. Rotate the swab for at least 20 seconds.
4. Air dry the brush for several minutes until completely dry. You can swing the swab gently but do not blow into it!
5. Insert the swab into enclosed envelope.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 with the second swab on the other cheek. Insert the swab in the same envelope.
7. Seal the envelope and fill in the information on the outside of the envelope.
8. Samples should be stored at 4°C until shipping. Note that the testing is more successful if the sample is fresh.

Sending the sample

1. Download the Order form by going to download section on our website. Fill in the form electronically or manually, print and sign the form. If you are filling the form manually make sure that all the information is written clearly.
2. Insert the Order form and envelope with collection swabs into new envelope and send it to our address:

AnimaLabs

Samoborska cesta 217/A
10090 ZAGREB
CROATIA

Download collection instructions in PDF

Blood sampling is the most critical element to obtaining the best sample for DNA and pathogen testing. It is very important that you follow this simple instructions to avoid sample contamination and to help minimize the possibility of failure.

IMPORTANT: blood sampling should be performed by a veterinarian.

We strongly recommend reading the collection instructions prior to taking the sample.

Preparations

1. When sampling multiple animals, first finish completely the sample collection from the first animal before you continue with the other one. Wash your hands and change the gloves between samplings.
2. Be ready to send the samples on the day of collection.

Sampling

1. Use a new sterile needle for each animal.
2. Collect 0.5 to 1mL of non-coagulated blood into a test tube containing EDTA.
3. Gently mix the blood with anticoagulant by inverting the tube several times.
4. NOTE: coagulated blood is inappropriate for the analysis.
5. Insert the tube into an envelope and seal it well.
6. Write sample identification data on the envelope.
7. Samples should be stored at 4°C until shipping. Note that the testing is more successful if the sample is fresh.

Sending the sample

1. Download the Order form by going to download section on our website. Fill in the form electronically or manually, print and sign the form. If you are filling the form manually make sure that all the information is written clearly.
2. Insert the Order form and envelope with blood sample into a bubble envelope to prevent tube damage during transport and send it to our address:

AnimaLabs

Samoborska cesta 217/A
10090 ZAGREB
CROATIA