FEBRUARY 20, 2018

Dog DNA Tests: 4 Superstar Tips for Submitting Samples

As your chosen DNA testing laboratory, we at DDC Veterinary want to provide a smooth process to get you the reliable results on which your business depends. We realize there are often time constraints, such as the heat cycle of the female, puppies going to new homes, or working with your veterinarian to find answers for your dog’s illness. So we do our best to process dog DNA tests as fast as possible without ever sacrificing accuracy.

Want to be a superstar for your dog DNA tests? Let’s talk about the importance of submitting a viable sample. DDC Veterinary uses polyester or cotton-tipped swabs as oral cheek swabs. Cheek cells have proven to be equally as accurate as blood samples, as DNA is found in both kinds of cells. Four cheek swabs per dog give us the DNA material we need for any and all tests needed. A single swab may not contain enough DNA for extraction to run several tests, such as our 6-test Labrador Disease Panel, or our 9-test Full Color Panel. So submitting four cheek swabs is optimal.

The advantages of using cheek swabs over blood samples:

• Equally as accurate as blood
• No blood draw needed—less invasive for your dog
• Sample collection can be done by the dog owner in the comfort of their own home
• Stable in any temperature— no refrigeration during shipment needed
• Stable for a long time— will not degrade if shipping takes two weeks
• Non-hazardous content for international shipping

But even as stable as cheek-swab samples are, there are right ways and wrong ways to handle them.

4 Superstar Tips for Acing Dog DNA Tests the First Time

1.Use the right kind of swabs: DDC Veterinary testing requires polyester or cotton-tipped swabs. Cytol brushes or oral sponge applicators do not provide optimal DNA material for our extraction process. If we receive brushes or sponges, the odds are we have to request new samples. Our DNA collection kit comes with two (2) paper sleeves containing two (2) sterile swabs each.

2. Always store in properly-marked paper envelopes: Cheek swabs should be put in a paper envelope labeled with the dog’s information. The paper allows air to get to the swabs while they dry. If sample swabs are enclosed in plastic, either a sealed tube, sleeve, or bag, they will be unusable. Trapped moisture causes bacteria to grow, which can degrade the DNA. A sample encased in plastic will require a new sample, delaying testing—and no one wants delays! Our DNA collection kit comes with one (1) white sample envelope to hold all four cheek swabs.

The Tip of the Tail

We have trained, conscientious staff who are always willing to answer questions about the process. We understand it can be confusing or even a little intimidating so we’re happy to help. Also, our emails, website content, and social-media posts provide as much information as possible to answer any questions that may arise. The bottom line is we care about your pet and your business, and want you to have the best possible DNA testing experience with DDC Veterinary.

About DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC)

DNA Diagnostic Center is the world leader in paternity and relationship testing. We serve healthcare professionals, government agencies, and individuals around the world to determine family relationships with trusted accuracy.

More Questions? Don’t hesitate to call us: we’re here to help!