DNA Collection Protocol: BEFORE USING THE SWAB TRY TO ENSURE YOUR PET HAS NOT BEEN EATING FOOD. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT WITH HORSES. TRY TO ENCOURAGE YOUR PET TO DRINK SOME WATER BEFORE SWABBING.

1 Read the instructions carefully.


2 Put on the glove provided.

3 Retrieve the swab from its packaging (do not touch the swab head with your fingers).

4 Slowly rub inside of each cheek with the swab.

5 Rub the inside of the left cheek for about 10 seconds with the swab head then repeat on the right cheek. Ensure that the swab is moist with saliva. THE SWAB MUST KEEP ITS FORM AND NOT BE TOO WET.
 
6 Firmly press the swab onto the collection card in the area indicated. Do not touch the sample area with your fingers. Allow the collection card to air-dry overnight at room temperature in a clean
draft free area. Ensure that cards are not touched or interfered with
by animals or children (Keep the samples at room temperature at all times).


7 Put the collection card in the bag provided.

8 Make sure all the forms have been carefully completed.

9 Put the bag and forms into the pre-paid envelope and seal.

10 Post back immediately.

Painless Sampling
Bio-tag analysis tests are performed on DNA obtained from mouth cheek swabs. Upon receipt of the cheek swab we will extract the DNA and analyse it to ensure that the sample has been collected successfully and is suitable for future analysis. The DNA collection procedure can be performed as simply and painlessly on a puppy, kitten or foal as on a mature animal.