How to take a DNA Sample

Approved Collection Method

Member body/Kennel Club Requirements

-The collection is either done by a Veterinarian or Orivet Approved Collection Agent
-The microchip number is scanned and verified
-The approved collection method form is completed and signed off by the collector
-Collected samples are sealed in the Tamper Proof Bags for owner to post

Please ensure you add your animal/s to your online account and order (activate) the relevant test/s prior to sending samples to us.

Steps to Capture Sufficient Quality of Cells

-Take 2 of the bristle (nylon) brushes
-Insert head against the inside of the cheek (inside the mouth)
-Pinch the cheek around the bristle heads firmly and roll the two swabs around the pinched area
-Swirl (circle motion) for a good 10 seconds to ensure you capture enough epithelial cells
-Repeat on the other cheek using the 3rd swab

Steps to Reduce Sample Degradation

-Allow swabs to air dry for 5-10 minutes (Make yourself a cup of coffee or tea)
-Stand them up in cup or other holder with the bristle head up
-Avoid moisture being trapped in the swab sleeve before sealing [Moisture attracts bacteria and this can cause any DNA to degrade]
-Once dried, place the swabs into the original packaging and seal packet closed with the barcode stickers
-Use the remaining barcode stickers as shown on swab packet & submission form (Hint keep a record of the barcode on your files)
-Complete details on swab packaging

For Vets Only - ETDA Blood Collection:

If collecting a blood sample is your preferred option, please advise your vet to collect at least 0.5ml in an EDTA tube.

- No other form of blood sample will be accepted.
-Use a barcode from the swab packaging to identify the blood sample collected and activate online.

Please ensure that it is packaged in a way that will not leak. eg: wrapped in cotton wool or a tissue and in a plastic zip lock bag. Try to place each blood tube into a separate plastic zip lock bag. That way, if any leakage occurs, it is contained and will not cross contaminate any other collected blood samples.

Semen Option 1:

Place the breeding unit (entire straw or pellet) into a plastic zip lock bag (the smaller the better). An excellent way to ensure the straw is protected is to use the outside shaft of a ball point pen. Use the plastic top to seal one end. This shaft also helps protect the straw from any postal damage. Pellets are usually stored and shipped in an Eppendorf tube & this is sufficient for transporting. Or send 100ul (0.1ml) of semen in a microfuge tube, wrap or seal the lid with parafilm. This option has a 95% success rate.

Semen Option 2:

Empty straw(s) & semen "Whirl-Pak" thaw bags can be used and in many cases is sufficient to get a DNA profile. To assist and ensure that the sample is successful, simply place the empty straw and bags in a small zip lock bag. Do not seal the ends with tape or other plugs. The straws/or bags/residual semen is flushed out with sterile saline and this allows for any residual semen to be eluted into a tube.

Mail Samples

Orivet Genetic Pet Care, PO Box 110 St Kilda Victoria 3182

Sample Arrivals

You will be notified via an email and/or phone SMS when your samples arrive and are accessioned by the office.

Overseas Clients

Please write on the front of the envilope: * AQIS Permit Number 0002906015'NA Swab Samples Enclosed (Non Pathogenic Canine/Feline Samples)