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Genetic testing can be useful for breeders, current or prospective animal owners, veterinarians and others who want additional information about inherited diseases, genetic traits, parentage or other characteristics of an animal.
Test results may assist with responsible breeding decisions and provide useful information about an animal’s genetic status.
Genetic testing can identify specific inherited variants associated with diseases or traits.
Depending on the mode of inheritance and the particular genetic variant, a result may provide information relevant to breeding decisions and the likelihood of transmitting a variant to offspring.
Genetic testing does not replace veterinary examination, diagnosis or treatment.
Inherited genetic diseases are conditions associated with genetic variants that may be transmitted from parents to offspring.
Animals generally inherit one copy of a gene from each parent. Certain genetic variants can alter normal biological processes and, depending on the mode of inheritance, may contribute to development of an inherited disease.
Genetic testing for inherited variants can generally be performed at any age because the inherited DNA sequence does not change during the animal’s lifetime.
Special care is required when collecting buccal swabs from nursing puppies, kittens or other young animals because DNA from the mother or littermates may contaminate the sample.
For animals younger than approximately 8 weeks that have not yet been weaned, the animal should be separated from the mother and littermates for at least two hours before sampling, should not be fed during that period and the mouth should be rinsed with water before sampling.
No. A microchip or tattoo is not required for laboratory testing.
However, where the identity of the animal has not been independently verified, the report may indicate that the identity was provided by the Client and was not independently confirmed.
Where official identity verification is required, a veterinarian may verify the animal and complete the applicable Veterinary Verification Form.
Potentially, yes.
Non-standard material from a deceased animal may be considered following prior consultation with AGS and technical evaluation by Inovagen Laboratory.
Examples may include biological material remaining on an object used by the animal. Such samples are accepted at the Client’s own risk because DNA quantity, quality and sample identity cannot always be guaranteed.
The laboratory cannot guarantee that a reportable result will be obtained from a non-standard sample.
Panels combine several tests that may be relevant to a particular breed, group of breeds or testing purpose.
Ordering a panel may provide broader genetic information at a lower total price than ordering every included test individually.
A DNA profile provides an individual genetic identification profile that can be used for purposes such as parentage verification and individual identification.
A DNA profile by itself does not prove that an animal is healthy or purebred.
Parentage testing compares genetic markers between an offspring and the alleged parent or parents.
The test can determine whether the genetic profiles are compatible with the stated relationship and can therefore be used to support or exclude a claimed parentage.
Including the dam allows the laboratory to determine which genetic markers were inherited from the mother and which must therefore have originated from the sire.
Testing both parents generally provides more informative parentage analysis.
PCR and related molecular methods detect specific nucleic-acid sequences associated with the target pathogen.
These methods can provide high analytical specificity and sensitivity when used with an appropriate sample and at an appropriate stage of infection.
However, the ability to detect a pathogen depends on factors such as sample type, sampling time, pathogen load, sample quality and the biological characteristics of the infection. A negative result therefore does not always exclude infection.
Yes.
Inovagen Laboratory uses quality-control procedures appropriate to the testing performed. These may include positive and negative controls, repeat testing, retained samples, reference materials and other measures used to monitor the validity of laboratory results.
The current testing portfolio is available on the AnimaLabs Genetic Solutions website.
Tests are available for several animal species and include inherited diseases, inherited traits, parentage and DNA profiling, pathogen testing and other molecular-genetic analyses.
Yes.
AGS offers long-term storage of isolated DNA for a standard period of 10 years.
Long-term storage may allow additional testing to be requested in the future without necessarily collecting another biological sample, provided that sufficient suitable DNA remains available.
Before expiry of the storage period, AGS may contact the Client regarding extension of the storage service. If storage is not extended, the DNA may be disposed of in accordance with laboratory procedures.
You can contact AGS and describe the testing you require.
Inovagen Laboratory will assess whether the requested testing can be performed or whether introduction of a new method may be technically feasible.
A new method is not offered as a routine service until the applicable development, verification and/or validation procedures have been completed.
Many inherited disorders are associated with particular genetic variants that have been demonstrated in specific breeds or populations.
A variant associated with a disease in one breed may not necessarily explain a similar clinical condition in another breed.
For this reason, breed applicability stated for a particular test should be taken into account when ordering.
For an animal whose parents originate from two known breeds, tests relevant to either parental breed may be worth considering.
The applicability of individual tests should be reviewed on the relevant test pages.
Yes.
DNA profiling and parentage testing are available for supported species according to the current AGS testing portfolio.
AGS does not currently offer a breed-composition test intended to estimate percentages of different breeds in an animal.
Parentage testing is a different type of analysis and can be used to evaluate specific alleged biological parents where the relevant samples are available.
AGS can explain laboratory results, modes of inheritance and general genetic information relevant to a test.
AGS does not provide veterinary diagnosis, treatment or individualized veterinary medical advice.
Breeding and medical decisions should take into account the test result together with other relevant information and, where appropriate, advice from a veterinarian or other qualified professional.
Testing can be ordered through the AGS webshop.
Testing may also be ordered using an applicable Order Form or directly at Inovagen Laboratory during laboratory working hours.
When ordering through the webshop, the Client accepts the applicable Conditions of Use as part of the order.
Orders submitted using an Order Form are confirmed by signing the form.
Yes.
Testing can be ordered and samples may be delivered personally to:
Inovagen Laboratory
Samoborska cesta 217/A
10090 Zagreb, Croatia
Laboratory working hours are Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:00.
Samples delivered personally must still comply with applicable identification, packaging, documentation and sample-acceptance requirements.
A DNA sampling kit together with priority delivery costs €10.
For deliveries within the European Union, expected priority-shipping delivery is generally approximately 3-5 working days.
Shipping options for other destinations may depend on the destination and available delivery services.
For standard buccal-swab sampling, the kit includes three swabs per animal and the applicable sampling materials and instructions.
Depending on the order, it may also include an Order Form and Veterinary Verification Form.
All three swabs belong to one sampling procedure for one animal.
Three swabs are provided because individual swabs may contain different quantities or quality of biological material, particularly if the animal moves during sampling. Providing three swabs increases the likelihood that sufficient suitable DNA can be isolated.
AGS accepts orders from Clients in Croatia and internationally, subject to applicable shipping, customs, import/export and other legal requirements.
For international shipments, the Client is responsible for confirming that biological material may legally be shipped to Croatia.
Animal ID is information used to identify the animal associated with the sample and order.
It may include the animal’s name, microchip number, tattoo number or another appropriate identifier.
The information written on the sample or sampling kit should correspond to the information entered in the order.
Usually not.
A properly collected sample will generally provide sufficient DNA for multiple tests.
Whether additional material is required depends on sample quality, available DNA and the testing requested.
Yes, provided laboratory testing has not yet commenced.
If the sampling kit has not yet been dispatched, the full paid amount is refunded.
If the sampling kit has already been dispatched, the testing service is refunded but shipping costs already incurred for dispatch of the sampling kit are not refundable.
Once laboratory testing has commenced, voluntary cancellation by the Client does not entitle the Client to a refund.
Approved refunds are initiated by AGS within 5 working days. Additional processing time may depend on the Client’s bank or payment provider.
Online orders may be paid using:
Testing ordered directly at Inovagen Laboratory may also be paid:
For webshop orders, payment is normally completed as part of the ordering process.
For testing ordered directly at the laboratory, payment may be made at the laboratory.
Current prices are displayed on the applicable test pages and during ordering in the AGS webshop.
Webshop prices are displayed including the applicable Croatian VAT rate of 25%, unless different tax treatment applies according to the Client and transaction.
Prices depend on factors such as analytical complexity, method used, consumables, controls and other resources required to perform the testing.
Panels may provide a more economical option when multiple tests are required for the same animal.
Where a valid AGS discount coupon is available, it can be applied during the applicable stage of the webshop checkout process.
Yes.
Prices displayed to consumers in the AGS webshop include Croatian VAT of 25%, where applicable.
Where applicable, a valid VAT number and the applicable tax status are taken into account during checkout.
For qualifying B2B transactions within the European Union, the applicable reverse-charge rules may be applied.
Check that:
Temporary availability of external VAT validation services may also affect validation during checkout.
The appropriate sample depends on the test.
Samples accepted by Inovagen Laboratory may include:
The relevant test page and sampling instructions should be consulted before sending a sample.
Yes, where technically appropriate.
EDTA blood is an accepted sample for relevant genetic testing. Buccal swabs remain a convenient non-invasive option for many genetic tests.
Detailed sampling instructions are supplied with the applicable sampling kit and are also available through AGS.
Following those instructions is important to reduce the risk of insufficient DNA, contamination or sample identification problems.
Correctly performed buccal-swab sampling is a simple and minimally invasive procedure.
Yes, but there is an increased risk of contamination in nursing animals.
For young animals that have not yet been weaned, follow the specific sampling instructions carefully, including separation from the mother and littermates before collection.
Pregnancy itself does not alter the inherited genetic variants being tested in the animal.
Normal sampling requirements still apply.
To reduce the possibility of cross-contamination, animals being sampled by buccal swab should not share food or water immediately before sampling.
Follow the current AGS collection instructions for the recommended preparation period.
Complete sampling of one animal before beginning with the next.
Wash your hands or change gloves between animals, clearly identify all sampling materials and avoid contact between samples from different animals.
AGS will inform the Client if testing cannot continue from the submitted sample.
Testing may be placed into suspended testing status.
The Client can then choose either:
Where a replacement sample is required, the first replacement AGS sampling kit is provided and dispatched free of charge. The Client pays the cost of sending the replacement sample back to the laboratory.
Where a new sample is necessary, AGS will specify the required sample type.
In many such cases, a blood sample will be requested.
If the Client cannot reasonably provide blood, Inovagen Laboratory may exceptionally approve a new buccal-swab sample where technically appropriate.
Where only part of a panel cannot be completed, the Client may receive a refund proportional to the test or tests that could not be performed.
The successfully completed tests remain part of the order.
Send all usable swabs.
Three swabs are provided for a single animal because this improves the likelihood that sufficient suitable DNA will be available.
If the remaining material is insufficient, AGS will contact you.
Until shipment, EDTA blood should be kept refrigerated.
The sample should then be sent to the laboratory as soon as reasonably possible using an appropriate priority delivery method.
Routine freezing before shipment is not recommended.
Samples should be shipped using priority delivery or the fastest reasonably available method suitable for preserving the sample.
For dry buccal swabs, AGS may reject the sample or request another sample if more than 30 days have passed between dispatch and receipt.
For EDTA blood, AGS may reject the sample or request another sample if more than 15 days have passed between dispatch and receipt.
Yes.
When returning a sample to Inovagen Laboratory, tracking information can be added directly to the relevant order through the Client’s AnimaLabs profile.
Yes.
Samples may be delivered personally during laboratory working hours: Monday-Friday, 08:00-16:00.
Personal delivery does not remove the requirement for appropriate sample identification, packaging and accompanying documentation.
No.
Inovagen Laboratory does not perform sampling.
Where professional collection or identity verification is required, the Client may arrange sampling through a veterinarian.
The standard turnaround time is up to 10 working days from Day 0, unless a different timeframe is stated for the specific service.
A sample received before 12:00 p.m. on a working day uses that same day as Day 0.
A sample received after 12:00 p.m. uses the next working day as Day 0.
If AGS expects a delay, the Client will be informed of the reason for the delay and provided with an updated expected date or estimated timeframe.
Different tests may use different laboratory methods and workflows.
Additional processing may also be required because of sample quality, repeat analysis, controls or another technical reason.
For this reason, samples submitted together do not necessarily produce results at exactly the same time.
For webshop orders, completed reports are available through the Client’s AnimaLabs profile.
Reports can be downloaded directly as A4 PDF files to a computer, tablet or mobile device.
Where testing has been ordered using an Order Form, reports may also be sent by e-mail where requested.
Printed reports are not routinely sent by post.
The Client receives a notification when the sample has been received by the laboratory.
Following DNA isolation, the Client is also informed whether the quality of the obtained DNA is suitable for continuation of testing.
No.
Test results are not communicated by telephone because of confidentiality and identification requirements.
AGS test reports and certificates are issued in English.
Issued certificates include identification of the person who authorized the report, their laboratory function and a QR code that can be used to verify certificate validity.
Inovagen Laboratory uses controlled laboratory methods, appropriate verification and/or validation, quality-control procedures and technical review of results.
Depending on the test, methods may originate from scientific literature, recognized technical sources, manufacturers or laboratory-developed or adapted procedures.
The method actually used for testing is identified in the issued report.
Generally, no.
Where several technically appropriate methods are listed for the same test, Inovagen Laboratory selects the method considered most appropriate for the particular testing process.
Where there is a relevant distinction between testing within and outside an accredited scope, the accreditation status is handled separately.
Inovagen Laboratory is currently in the final stage of the initial accreditation process according to HRN EN ISO/IEC 17025.
Until accreditation is formally granted, testing is not represented as accredited.
Once accreditation has been formally granted, only methods included within the officially approved accreditation scope will be represented as accredited. Methods outside that scope will continue to be clearly distinguished from accredited testing.
Yes.
Information concerning the Client, samples and results is treated as confidential.
Results are provided to the Client and may be sent to a veterinarian, kennel club, breeder, organization or another third party only with the Client’s express authorization, except where disclosure is legally required.
No, not by AGS as part of normal laboratory testing.
AGS does not independently publish an individual Client’s test results.
Medication does not change an animal’s inherited DNA sequence.
However, unusual sample conditions or substances present in a biological sample may occasionally interfere with laboratory processing.
Where testing cannot be reliably completed, AGS may request another sample.
For an inherited germline genetic variant, the animal’s genotype does not change during its lifetime.
This does not apply to all types of molecular testing. For example, pathogen-testing results describe the status of the tested sample at the relevant time and can therefore differ over time.
The meaning of an “affected” result depends on the specific disease, genetic variant and mode of inheritance.
Review the explanation provided for the relevant test and discuss health-related implications with your veterinarian.
AGS laboratory results do not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.
The meaning of a carrier result depends on the applicable mode of inheritance.
For many autosomal recessive conditions, a heterozygous carrier has one copy of the tested variant and may be capable of transmitting it to offspring without developing the typical disease associated with two copies.
However, this should not be generalized to every genetic condition. The interpretation provided for the specific test should always be considered.
Biological samples, remaining sample material and isolated DNA are generally retained for at least 30 days after the test result has been issued.
They may be retained longer in accordance with laboratory procedures.
Retention may allow repeat testing, verification of results, additional testing, internal quality-control activities or other permitted laboratory use.
Yes.
By submitting the sample under the AGS Conditions of Use, remaining sample material or isolated DNA may, where appropriate, be used for internal quality control, laboratory controls, method improvement or research and development.
Yes.
The Client may request disposal of retained sample material or isolated DNA, provided the material remains available at the time the request is received.
Complaints can be sent to info@animalabs.com.
AGS will acknowledge receipt of a complaint within 3 working days.
AGS aims to resolve a complaint within 10 working days.
If a more extensive technical investigation is required, the Client will be informed that additional time is needed and will receive an estimated timeframe for completion.