VetGen - The leader in veterinary genetic disease research and genetic disease detection services for purebred animals

DNA collection instructions


In the event that you have lost your VetGen-provided DNA Sample Collection Instructions or if you are curious to see just how simple the sample collection procedure is, we have provided instructions below for your reference.

Collection Instructions


First, a few quick notes...
If these instructions are followed closely, the DNA sample collection process will be very easy. The process is facilitated by using a helper. This allows one person to gently restrain and hold the dog's head while the second person collects each sample.

Many dogs enjoy chew toys made of materials similar to the collection swabs and wish to add the swabs to their collection! Our lab needs all three swabs for analysis, so please protect them.

To avoid sample contamination from dog food, please collect the sample at least two hours after the dog's last meal or snack. Dogs may have access to water at any time.

Please collect three (3) swabs (6 if for research) from each dog and return to VetGen by regular mail. The samples are stable for several weeks without refrigeration and do not need to be returned by express mail. (International customers please use air mail.)

Step/Procedure


  1. Wash hands before sample collection and between dogs if more than one dog is being collected. (To avoid DNA contamination, always complete sample collection for one dog before beginning sample collection on additional dogs.)
  2. Peel open the swab package part-way beginning at the arrow.
  3. Remove the swab, being careful not to touch the bristles.
  4. Place the swab between the cheek and gum of the dog being tested.
  5. Gently scrub the swab (using a rolling technique) against the inside surface of the cheek for about 15 seconds to collect cheek cells (not saliva).
  6. Place the swab back in the original package.
  7. Repeat steps 2-6 with the two other swabs. Fill out requested dog information on back of each cheek swab package and order form. For shipment, tape the ends of each swab package securely with standard tape.

Please contact us if you have any other questions.