Conditions of Use of the Services and Products under the Brand of AnimaLabs Genetic Solutions®

AnimaLabs Genetic Solutions® (hereinafter: AGS) is a brand owned by InovaGen Ltd.

Laboratory testing services offered under the AGS brand are provided by Inovagen Laboratory, operated by InovaGen Ltd., Samoborska cesta 217/A, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia.

InovaGen Ltd. is registered with the Commercial Court in Zagreb under registration number (MBS) 080927214 and personal identification number (OIB/PIN) 83135460750.

For the purposes of these Conditions of Use, AGS refers to laboratory testing services, related products and associated services provided by Inovagen Laboratory under the AnimaLabs Genetic Solutions® brand.

These Conditions of Use apply to all Clients ordering or using AGS services.

The following conditions of use are enforced on all clients starting 15.8.2026. By enforcing these conditions of use, conditions of use from 01.06.2024 became invalid.

Revised on 28.06.2018. – Added privacy policy in accordance with GDPR (“General Data Protection Regulation”) directive.

Revised on 01.06.2024. – Changes due to rebranding of AnimaLabs® to AnimaLabs Genetic Solutions®.

Revised on 15.8.2026. – Added various required information to fully comply with HRN EN ISO/IEC 17025 standard.

By placing an order through the AGS webshop and accepting these Conditions of Use, or by signing the applicable Order Form when ordering outside the webshop, the Client accepts these Conditions of Use.

By submitting a biological sample to AGS, the Client also accepts the provisions of these Conditions relating to the receipt, handling, storage, use and disposal of submitted samples.

These Conditions apply from the date of their publication on the AGS website.

I) Ordering and Review of Testing Requests

Testing services may be ordered through the AGS webshop, by using an official Order Form, by e-mail or through an authorized business partner.

Standard requests for tests included in the current AGS testing portfolio are administratively reviewed by authorized personnel responsible for sales, marketing and logistics.

The review includes, as applicable, confirmation that:

• the requested test is available;
• an appropriate testing method is available;
• the Client’s request is clear and sufficiently complete;
• the submitted or intended sample type is suitable for the requested test;
• applicable transport and sample acceptance requirements can be fulfilled;
• any special requirements communicated by the Client can be accommodated.

Requests involving technically unclear requirements, non-standard samples, new methods, special technical conditions, subcontracting or deviations from the usual testing process are additionally reviewed by the Head of Laboratory.

AGS accepts a testing request only when the laboratory determines that it has the appropriate method, equipment, personnel, resources, sample type and technical conditions necessary to perform the requested testing.

If a request is incomplete, unclear or cannot be performed under the requested conditions, AGS may contact the Client for clarification, request additional information, propose modification of the request, request a new sample or reject the request.

Any significant change to an accepted request is communicated to the Client and recorded before further testing is performed.

II) Testing Methods

The testing method or methods available for each test are stated on the corresponding test page on the AGS website.

Some tests may be performed using more than one appropriate testing method. Where several methods are available for the same test, AGS determines which listed method is technically most appropriate for the particular testing process.

Unless the choice concerns testing within or outside the accredited scope, the Client cannot require AGS to use a particular method from among several technically suitable methods offered for the same test.

The testing method actually used is stated in the issued test report.

If the Client specifically requests a method that is not part of the current testing portfolio, AGS will evaluate whether the requested method can be introduced and appropriately verified and/or validated before use.

A new method is not offered as a routine AGS service until the laboratory has completed the applicable introduction, verification or validation process and the method has been appropriately approved.

Any deviation from an established testing method must be technically justified, authorized by the laboratory and, where applicable, accepted by the Client.

III) Accredited and Non-Accredited Testing

Inovagen Laboratory may provide testing using methods within its accredited scope as well as methods outside its accredited scope.

Methods that are outside the accredited scope are not represented by AGS as accredited or as being covered by the laboratory’s accreditation under HRN EN ISO/IEC 17025.

Where both an accredited and a non-accredited option are available and the accreditation status is relevant to the Client’s request, the Client will be appropriately informed so that the requested service can be agreed before testing begins.

The status applicable to the testing performed is determined according to the laboratory’s current approved scope and management-system documentation.

IV) Subcontracted Testing

If AGS cannot independently perform requested testing but the service may be provided through an appropriate external laboratory or other external provider, the Client will be informed before subcontracting takes place.

Where applicable, AGS will provide available information concerning the subcontracted service, including the nature of the testing, sample requirements, conditions and price.

Subcontracted testing is performed only with the Client’s consent.

The Client’s consent may be recorded through an Order Form, order, offer, e-mail correspondence or another appropriate record relating to the service.

Where applicable, results obtained from an external provider are identified accordingly in the test report.

V) Cancellation of an Order by the Client

The Client may cancel an order before laboratory testing has commenced.

If no sampling kit has yet been dispatched, AGS will refund the full amount paid for the cancelled order, including any amount paid for shipment of the sampling kit.

If the sampling kit has already been dispatched, AGS will refund the amount paid for the cancelled testing service, but the shipping cost already incurred for dispatch of the sampling kit is non-refundable.

Once laboratory testing has commenced, voluntary cancellation by the Client does not entitle the Client to a refund.

This does not affect the Client’s rights under Section XI where testing cannot be completed for technical or other reasons.

AGS initiates approved refunds within 5 working days. The time required for the refunded amount to appear in the Client’s account after AGS initiates the transaction depends on the Client’s bank, card provider or other payment-service provider.

VI) Sample Collection and Client Responsibility

The Client is responsible for ensuring that the submitted sample is collected, identified, packaged and sent in accordance with the applicable AGS instructions.

AGS does not perform sampling.

Where a veterinarian or another third party collects a sample, that person is responsible for the accuracy of the information and identity verification they provide in connection with the sampling procedure.

The Client is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of information provided in the order and for ensuring that the submitted sample corresponds to the identified animal.

AGS accepts different sample types depending on the requested testing, including, where applicable:

• buccal swabs;
• blood;
• hair with follicles;
• feathers with follicles;
• eggshell;
• urine;
• semen;
• isolated DNA;
• other sample types specifically accepted for a particular test.

The applicable test page, sampling instructions or other AGS documentation determines which sample types are suitable for a particular test.

VII) Sample Identification, Packaging and Transport

Samples must be clearly identified and must be unambiguously linked to the applicable order.

Samples sent by post or courier should be sent using priority delivery or the fastest reasonably available delivery option appropriate for maintaining sample suitability.

Biological samples must be packaged in a manner intended to prevent damage, leakage, contamination, cross-contamination, substitution or deterioration during transport.

AGS is not responsible for delays, loss, damage, deterioration or other events occurring during transport before the sample is received by the laboratory.

For international shipments, the Client is solely responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable local requirements relating to the shipment of biological material, including postal and courier requirements, customs requirements, import and export restrictions, permits and any other applicable legal or administrative requirements.

The Client is responsible for determining whether the biological material may legally be shipped from the country of origin to Croatia.

VIII) Specific Requirements for Buccal Swabs

Buccal swabs used for genetic testing must be collected, dried and packaged in accordance with the applicable AGS sampling instructions.

The sample or sampling kit must be sufficiently identified to allow it to be unambiguously linked to the relevant animal and testing order.

AGS may reject a buccal swab or request a replacement sample where more than 30 days have elapsed between dispatch of the sample and receipt by the laboratory.

AGS may also reject or conditionally accept a sample where its condition indicates moisture, contamination, damage, inappropriate packaging, degradation or inability to establish the identity of the sample.

IX) Specific Requirements for Blood Samples

The standard blood sample accepted by AGS for relevant testing is whole blood collected in an EDTA tube.

Unless otherwise defined for a specific test, the sample should contain at least 0.5 mL of blood.

The sample must be appropriately identified and unambiguously linked to the animal and relevant testing order.

Where veterinary verification of animal identity is required, the appropriate veterinary documentation must be provided.

AGS may reject a blood sample or request a replacement sample where more than 15 days have elapsed between dispatch of the sample and receipt by the laboratory.

AGS may also reject or conditionally accept a blood sample that is haemolysed, leaking, improperly packaged, unidentified, contaminated or otherwise in a condition that may affect nucleic acid quality or validity of the testing process.

X) Sample Receipt and Acceptance

Samples received by the laboratory before 12:00 p.m. on a working day are considered received for processing on that same working day. That day is designated as Day 0.

Samples received after 12:00 p.m. are considered received for processing on the next working day, which is then designated as Day 0.

Before testing begins, AGS verifies, as applicable:

• whether the sample is connected to an appropriate order;
• whether it can be unambiguously linked to the Client, animal and requested test;
• whether the sample is appropriately identified;
• whether the sample type is suitable for the requested test;
• whether the required documentation has been supplied;
• whether applicable transport and packaging requirements have been met;
• whether there is evidence of contamination, leakage, damage, degradation or other circumstances that could affect testing or validity of the result.

If the sample is acceptable, it is entered into the laboratory system and released for further processing.

XI) Non-Conforming Samples and Suspended Testing

A sample that does not fully meet standard acceptance criteria is not necessarily rejected automatically.

Depending on the nature and significance of the deviation, AGS may:

• place the sample temporarily on hold;
• request additional documentation or clarification;
• conditionally accept the sample;
• accept the sample with an appropriate note;
• request a replacement sample;
• reject the sample.

Where testing cannot be completed using the submitted sample, AGS may place the testing into suspended testing status and inform the Client that a replacement sample is required.

The Client may then choose between:

1. submitting a replacement sample so that testing can be performed; or
2. cancelling the affected testing and receiving a refund for the testing that could not be completed.

If the Client chooses to submit a replacement sample, AGS will specify the type of replacement sample required. In most cases this will be a blood sample. Where providing blood is not reasonably possible, AGS may exceptionally approve a new buccal swab where technically appropriate.

When the replacement sample is received, a new testing order is opened for the applicable testing.

If an order contains a panel of several tests and only one or several individual tests cannot be completed, any refund is calculated proportionally according to the affected test or tests rather than automatically refunding the entire panel.

AGS initiates an approved refund within 5 working days, after which additional bank or payment-provider processing time may apply.

XII) Replacement Sampling Kits

Where a replacement sample is required, the first replacement AGS sampling kit is provided and dispatched to the Client free of charge.

The Client is responsible for the cost of sending the replacement sample back to the laboratory.

This also applies where a sample has been lost or damaged during transport or where a new sample is required because the original sample cannot be used for testing.

If additional replacement kits are required after the first replacement kit, AGS may charge the applicable kit and shipping costs.

XIII) Storage, Ownership and Use of Samples

Once a submitted sample is received by AGS, it becomes the property of AGS, subject to these Conditions of Use and applicable legal requirements.

Biological samples, remaining sample material and isolated DNA are generally retained for at least 30 days after issuance of the test result.

The retention period allows AGS to perform, where necessary, repeat testing, result verification, quality-control activities or additional testing requested within a reasonable period after the original testing.

Expiry of the minimum retention period does not require AGS to destroy the sample immediately. Samples and isolated DNA may be periodically reviewed and processed in accordance with laboratory procedures.

By submitting the sample to AGS, the Client agrees that remaining sample material or isolated DNA may, where appropriate, be used for:

• internal quality control;
• laboratory controls;
• method verification and improvement;
• research and development activities.

The Client may request removal and disposal of a retained sample or isolated DNA by contacting AGS, provided that the material remains available for disposal.

XIV) Long-Term DNA Storage

Where the Client purchases the long-term DNA storage service, isolated DNA is stored for the agreed storage period.

The standard long-term DNA storage period is 10 years.

Before expiry of the storage period, AGS may contact the Client and offer an extension of the storage service. It is up to client to keep track of passed time since the service has been requested, not AGS.

If the storage service is not extended, the stored material may be removed and disposed of in accordance with AGS laboratory procedures after expiry of the agreed storage period.

XV) Disposal of Samples and Laboratory Material

After expiry of the applicable retention period, or when a sample, isolated DNA or other material is no longer required for testing, repeat testing, verification, quality control, research or development, AGS may remove and dispose of the material.

Biological samples, isolated DNA and residues generated during laboratory activities are handled and disposed of according to AGS laboratory procedures.

Biological and laboratory waste is collected in designated containers and, where applicable, transferred to an authorized waste-management contractor.

Applicable disposal and waste-transfer activities are documented in laboratory and waste-management records.

XVI) Turnaround Time

The standard turnaround time for AGS testing is up to 10 working days from Day 0, unless a different turnaround time is expressly stated for a particular service.

Some tests may be completed earlier depending on the test, selected method, sample condition and laboratory workflow.

For calculation of turnaround time:

• a sample received before 12:00 p.m. on a working day uses that day as Day 0;
• a sample received after 12:00 p.m. uses the next working day as Day 0.

If AGS determines that the standard turnaround time cannot be met, the Client will be informed of:

• the reason for the delay; and
• the updated expected date or estimated timeframe for delivery of the result.

Samples collected at exhibitions or events

Where samples are collected at exhibitions, shows or other events, the normal turnaround time applies unless a different expected delivery date is expressly communicated to the Client.

Where an unusually large number of samples is collected at an event, turnaround time may be extended. In such cases AGS will inform affected Clients about the delay and the updated expected timeframe.

XVII) Test Reports and Certificates

Test results are issued electronically as A4 PDF test reports or certificates.

AGS does not routinely send printed certificates or test reports by post.

Results are reviewed and authorized before issuance.

The Head of Laboratory reviews and approves test reports and is responsible for confirmation of the validity of reported results.

The issued report contains the applicable information necessary for identification and interpretation of the testing, including, as appropriate:

• identification of the laboratory;
• unique identification of the report;
• Client information;
• sample identification;
• testing method actually used;
• relevant dates;
• test result;
• relevant deviations or exceptions;
• identification of the authorized person approving the report.

Where applicable, testing performed by an external provider is appropriately identified.

XVIII) Nature and Interpretation of Results

Testing performed by AGS is primarily qualitative.

Depending on the specific test, results may include, for example:

• genotype;
• presence or absence of a targeted genetic variant;
• another defined qualitative outcome relevant to the particular test.

Potential result categories and relevant explanations are provided on the applicable test page and/or in the issued report.

AGS does not provide veterinary diagnosis, treatment or veterinary medical advice.

Where additional explanation concerning the meaning of a result is provided, such information does not replace consultation with an appropriately qualified veterinarian or other relevant professional.

XIX) Confidentiality

AGS treats information obtained or created during laboratory activities as confidential.

Information concerning the Client, submitted samples, orders and test results is not disclosed to third parties except:

• with the Client’s express authorization;
• where disclosure is required by law;
• where AGS is otherwise legally authorized or required to disclose the information.

AGS may provide results to a kennel club, veterinarian, breeder, organization or another third party only with the Client’s express authorization, except where disclosure is required by law.

AGS does not independently decide to forward a Client’s results to third parties for purposes unrelated to the requested service.

Where AGS intends to disclose information capable of identifying the Client and such disclosure is not expressly required by law, AGS will notify the Client at least 15 calendar days in advance of the intended purpose, content and method of disclosure.

Such disclosure requires the Client’s prior written consent.

Where disclosure is legally required, the Client will be informed in writing unless applicable law prohibits such notification.

XX) Privacy and Personal Data

Personal data is processed in accordance with the current AGS Privacy Policy available separately on the AGS website.

Personal data necessary to process an order, identify a Client, communicate regarding testing, perform laboratory services, issue results, process payment and fulfil applicable legal obligations may be processed for those purposes.

Further information concerning data processing, retention, disclosure, website technologies and data-subject rights is provided in the AGS Privacy Policy.

XXI) Release of Results to Third Parties

The Client may expressly authorize AGS to send a test result or certificate to a third party, including a kennel club, veterinarian, breeder, organization or other designated recipient.

Such release occurs only on the basis of the Client’s express authorization.

AGS will not voluntarily release test results to a third party without such authorization, except where disclosure is legally required.

XXII) Client Responsibility for Information and Samples

The Client is responsible for:

• the accuracy of information submitted with the order;
• correct identification of the animal;
• correct collection of the sample;
• appropriate labelling of the sample;
• appropriate packaging and dispatch;
• following applicable sampling and transport instructions;
• supplying required documentation;
• complying with applicable shipping, customs and import/export requirements.

Where a veterinarian collects or verifies the sample, the veterinarian assumes responsibility for the accuracy of the information and verification supplied by them.

XXIII) Limitations Related to Biological and Technical Testing

AGS applies laboratory procedures, validated or verified methods where applicable and quality-control measures intended to ensure reliable testing.

However, as with all DNA and molecular testing, biological, pre-analytical and technical factors can interfere with analysis and may in some circumstances result in an incorrect, false-positive, false-negative, inconclusive or otherwise unobtainable result.

Such factors may include, but are not limited to:

• contamination with foreign DNA or other impurities;
• degradation of the sample;
• inappropriate collection or storage before receipt by AGS;
• insufficient quantity or quality of biological material;
• unexpected DNA mutations or genetic variation;
• de novo variants;
• polymorphisms;
• structural variants;
• copy-number variation;
• mosaicism;
• sample substitution or mix-up before receipt by AGS;
• damage during transport;
• circumstances outside the reasonable control of AGS;
• technical limitations inherent to the applicable testing method.

AGS is not responsible for inaccuracies or inability to obtain a result arising from such circumstances where they are outside the reasonable control of the laboratory.

Where AGS identifies circumstances that may compromise testing, it may suspend testing, repeat testing, request a new sample or take another appropriate action before a result is issued.

XXIV) Complaints

Complaints concerning AGS services may be submitted to:

info@animalabs.com

AGS will acknowledge receipt of a complaint within 3 working days.

AGS aims to resolve complaints within 10 working days from receipt.

Where resolution requires a more extensive technical investigation or collection and review of additional information, the Client will be informed that additional time is required and will be provided with an estimated timeframe for completion of the investigation.

AGS handles complaints objectively and in accordance with its documented laboratory complaint-handling procedure.

XXV) Amendments and Re-Issue of Test Reports

Where an issued test report requires correction, amendment or replacement, the change is appropriately identified and documented.

Where applicable, the amended or replacement report identifies the original report that it changes or replaces.

AGS retains applicable records relating to original and amended reports in accordance with laboratory procedures.

XXVI) Changes to these Conditions of Use

AGS may amend these Conditions of Use where necessary due to changes in laboratory processes, methods, services, legal requirements, accreditation requirements, internal procedures, technology or business operations.

The version of the Conditions of Use accepted in connection with the relevant order applies to that order unless a later change is expressly agreed with the Client or is required by applicable law.

XXVII) Court of Competent Jurisdiction

AGS and the Client will endeavor to resolve disagreements or disputes arising from the provision of AGS services through mutual communication and good faith.

If an agreement cannot be reached, disputes are subject to the jurisdiction of the competent court in Zagreb, Croatia.