Sample Collection Types and Methods

Below is a list of the sample types we allow for testing and collection methods. Please note all sample types are not accepted for all tests. Refer to the specific test page for specific sample types accepted for specific tests.

We do sell a few collectors, including sample-only tissue collectors, tissue collectors that leave an ear tag in the ear, and Whatman FTA MicroCards. If you would like to order any of these, please call us at (970) 472-9951.

If you would like to order an applicator and/or sample-only tissue collectors, please give us a call at (970) 472-9951. Sample only collectors are $2.75 each and the Sample Only Applicator is $32 (plus shipping and handling). Both the applicator and collectors are are available for immediate shipment.

To take a tissue sample for DNA testing use the sample only collection system, simply place the collection cup in the applicator and the punch piece on the applicator pin and push the punch piece down through the ear and into the collection cup.  The punch piece will remain in the collection cup with the tissue. A small amount of tissue will be collected and sealed in the collection cup. Use the space on the tab attached to the collection cup to write your flock ID number or animal name. Gene Check will report your results to you using this number/name.

(View the Instruction Manual)

Samples in the tissue collectors can be stored for up to 3 years if kept at room temperature. Therefore, the tags can be used and samples sent for testing only after you decide which animals you intend to keep or sell for breeding.

If you would like to order the applicator and/or collectors, please give us a call at (970) 472-9951. Tissue collectors with ear tags are $3.25 each and the applicator is $32 (plus shipping and handling). Both the applicator and collectors are available for immediate shipment.

These tags can be used as permanent ear tags. Samples in the tissue collectors can be stored for up to 3 years if kept at room temperature. Therefore, the tags can be used and samples sent for testing only after you decide which animals you intend to keep or sell for breeding.

Because the small portion of the ear tag and the sampling container are permanently labeled with Gene Check numbers, all samples can be quickly and accurately traced back to the animal.

To take a tissue sample for DNA testing and to leave an ear tag in your sheep, simply apply the ear tag as you would any ear tag. Remove the small container that is attached. The collection cup will contain a small amount of tissue that is automatically sealed in the container. There is space on the ear tag and on the sample submission container to write your flock number. Gene Check can then report your results to you using your flock number and the Gene Check assigned sample number.

(View the Instruction Manual)

We require 2 to 3 cc’s (mL) of whole blood in each tube. Purple top tubes contain EDTA to prevent clotting. Therefore, it is important to ensure proper mixing by gently inverting the tube 8-10 times immediately after collecting the blood. Do not shake the blood.

Please refrigerate your tubes if you are not planning to ship immediately. Samples can be refrigerated for 7-10 days before shipping. When shipping in warmer months(June-August), please ship with an ice pack via 1-2 day delivery.  In cooler months, an ice pack is not necessary and the samples can be shipped via 3-5 day delivery.

We require 2 to 3 cc’s(mL) of blood in each tube. It is not necessary to spin tubes down in a centrifuge before shipping.

Please refrigerate your tubes if you are not planning to ship immediately. Samples can be refrigerated for 7-10 days before shipping. When shipping in warmer months(June-August), please ship with an ice pack via 1-2 day delivery.  In cooler months, an ice pack is not necessary and the samples can be shipped via 3-5 day delivery.

We accept AllFlex tissue sampling units (TSU). Please make sure to write down the TSU number in addition to the sample ID on the submission form.

TSU samples do not require refrigeration or rushed shipping. Please do not send in a paper envelope, as the sample is likely to be ripped out of the envelope and lost during shipment.

If you would like to order Whatman FTA blood cards, please give us a call at (970) 472-9951. FTA blood cards are $6.00 each plus shipping and handling and are available for immediate shipment.

To prevent contamination between animals, use a new razor or sharp for each animal if nicking the ear. If you are drawing blood from a vein, be sure to use a new syringe and needle for each animal. If using a blood card with a circle on it, put droplets of blood inside the circle until the circle is filled and saturated. If there is no circle, fill in a quarter-sized area with drops of blood. Please do not over-saturate the blood card, but be sure the blood card is soaked through.  Allow each card to sit open and dry before packaging for shipment (do not allow to dry in sunlight).  Note: Drying of the cards is should be done away from the animals/barn etc. so that dust and debris from other animals do not land on the open cards and possibly give you contaminated results.

FTA blood cards can be stored at room temperature for several years. Therefore, rushed shipping is not necessary.

We also accept blood cards from other manufacturers and have been very successful in getting clear results from other cards. However, if we are unable to get results from other than FTA Whatman cards, you will need to resubmit the samples and pay for the testing to be repeated.  If you send FTA Whatman cards and we are unable to get a result, you may need to resubmit a sample, but you will not be charged for the retest.

Rush testing is not available for blood cards.

We require 30-40 hairs with the follicle intact per animal. Collected hair should be free of dirt, debris, and animal waste (feces or urine). Please do not clean hair samples with soaps or detergents, as this may negatively impact the DNA in the sample. If samples need to be cleaned prior to submission, simply rinse with water. After collection, hairs can be taped to a 3″x5″ index card or similar piece of paper with the follicles aligned together on one side (please do not tape directly over follicles). Fold this paper in half to enclose the sample, and ensure that you label this paper with the animal’s identification number.

Hair samples incur an additional $2 per sample fee due to the additional time and labor required to process hair samples.

Refrigeration or rushed shipping for hair samples is not necessary.

Semen straws can be submitted without purchasing a collector, but these straws are fragile and may be damaged during shipping. To ensure that your samples arrive intact, please submit each straw in an individual plastic bag so that we may attempt to recover your sample in the event that it is damaged during shipping. Straws in bags should then be padded with paper towel or similar, and shipped on ice via 1-2 day delivery.

Feathers can be submitted by placing two or more secondary wing feathers in individual plastic bags or paper envelopes for each animal.

We require a minimum of two or more secondary wing feathers per bird, freshly pulled. Secondary wing feathers can be removed without compromising the flight or maneuverability of the animal. Smaller feathers (i.e. chest feathers) are acceptable, but we will need 10 or more per bird as there is much less DNA in the quill tip of these feathers. Keep in mind that the smaller feathers are also much more time consuming and difficult to extract, so there may be a slight increase in the amount of time to receive your results.

Please do not collect fallen feathers from the bottom of coops/cages, as they may be decomposing or contaminated with animal waste which negatively impacts our ability to test your samples. Collection of fresh feathers also ensures that there is no possibility of sample mix-up with another one of your animals.

Place a piece of new, clean paper underneath antler. Clean drill and drill bit with a 10% bleach solution. Then, using the clean drill with a 1/8 to 1/4 drill bit, slowly drill into the base of a shed antler about 1/4 to /2 inch. Do not drill to fast to avoid overheating the antler and do not use an antler in velvet, as both will prevent the lab from getting DNA from the shavings. Place the antler shavings in a plastic bag and label with sample ID.