Sample material

Various sample materials can be submitted to investigate the DNA of an animal. In the webshop, it is stated per DNA test which material can be sent in. Swabs and blood are the most submitted samples for dogs, cats, llamas and alpacas. Hair and blood are the most submitted samples for horses. For pigeons we mostly receive feathers.

Collecting sample material is the most critical element for DNA testing. It is very important to follow these instructions to maximize the chance of a successful DNA test and to avoid contamination with DNA from another source. Read the collection instructions below carefully before sampling the animal(s).

The samples can be submitted in a, preferably protective, envelope (e.g. bubble wrap). Please submit the samples together with a printed version of the order confirmation for the fastest processing. In case you are not able to print the order confirmation, please do add a separate note with the order number.

Please submit the samples together with the order confirmation by mail to:

VHLGenetics
Agro Business Park 100
6708 PW WAGENINGEN
THE NETHERLANDS

Instructions for sample collection with buccal swabs

  • After ordering a DNA test, you will receive one or more Copan swabs. Please only use these for sampling; other types of swabs are not accepted.
  • Use a seperate Copan swab for each animal.
  • Please label the tube of the swab with at least the name and chip or registration number of the animal.
  • Do not allow the animal to eat and/or drink from the mother for 1 to 2 hours before sampling. Drinking water is allowed.
  • To avoid contamination with DNA from another animal, do not allow the animals to get into contact with each other for 1 to 2 hours before sampling.
  • Carefully open the swab package; avoid contact of the swab brush with your hands or other surfaces.
  • During the sampling, stroke the brush of the swab firmly against the buccal mucosa for at least 10 seconds, rotating the swab several times to ensure that there are enough cells on the brush. The genetic test can only be performed if there is sufficient genetic material on the brush.
  • Unscrew and remove the cap of the tube. Be careful and prevent contact between the liquid content of the tube and your skin. In case this accidentally happens, please rinse your skin thoroughly with water.
  • Insert the used swab into the tube.
  • Break the swab at the breaking point. Replace the cap on the tube and close tightly.

Instructions for the collection of a hair sample

  • Preferably use the plastic sample bags and labels provided by CombiBreed/VHLGenetics.
  • Please label the sample bag with at least the name and chip or registration number of the animal.
  • Use one bag per animal, do not put hairs of more than one animal in a bag
  • Make sure your hands are clean before you pull out the hair roots. This prevents contamination of material with your own DNA or DNA of other animals.
  • The hair-roots can also be pulled out with a pair of pliers. This pair of pliers needs to be cleaned after each animal to prevent contamination of material.
  • For horses, hairs can be pulled from mane or tail.
  • Collect a minimum of 50 hair roots per animal. The hairs need to be pulled out, because the hair roots are the part of the hair that contain DNA. Cutted hair cannot be used.
  • Check the pulled hairs for the presence of hair roots. Without hair roots a DNA test is not possible.
  • Place the hairs in the sample bag.
  • Close the seal of the sample bag after the hairs have been collected.

Instructions for the collection of blood

  • No special syringe, needle or collection tube needs to used. The veterinarian can use regular materials.
  • Only EDTA blood or heparin blood can used.
  • Please label the collection tube with at least the name and chip or registration number of the animal.
  • Use one collection tube per animal.
  • Collect a minimum of 1.0 ml blood per animal.
  • Do not centrifuge the collected blood, but do sent whole blood in a closed collection tube.

Instructions for the collection of feathers

  • Preferably use the plastic sample bags and labels provided by CombiBreed/VHLGenetics.
  • On each sample bag, clearly write the name and ring or other registration number of the animal from which the feathers are collected.
  • Only place feathers from one animal in each bag. Do not mix feathers from different animals.
  • Ensure feathers are plucked from the bird; moulted feathers cannot be used for DNA analysis.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before collecting feathers to prevent contamination of the sample with your own DNA or DNA from other animals.
  • It is recommended to collect down feathers from the chest of the bird.
  • Collect a minimum of 3-5 feathers per bird. Pull out the feathers carefully, as the feather shaft contains the DNA needed for analysis.
  • Try to handle the feathers without touching the shaft to minimize the risk of contamination with your DNA.
  • Place the feathers in the sample bag immediately after collection.
  • Ensure the sample bag is securely sealed after the feathers have been collected to prevent any contamination or loss of samples.