At Paw Print Genetics, quality and accuracy are at the heart of everything we do. When it comes to the sample collection on your dog that is used to extract DNA, we continue to hold ourselves to this standard. We have recently changed our cheek cell collection method to a new preferred swab. We believe that this new swab will not only allow us to achieve higher quality DNA from your dog, but it will also make your life more convenient. You may notice these swabs have a few differences…
1. One swab does the job
This new swabbing method will now only involve swabbing your dog’s cheek one time, rather than 3 separate times with different swabs. By using this single swab, we are now able to collect more than enough cells to get the DNA that we need.To collect enough cells, be sure to swab your dog for a slow count of 30. This is super important given that you only get once chance, with one swab, to get enough sample for us. It is our goal is that using a single swab will make the swabbing process simple and easy!
2. New look & feel
Instead of our familiar cytobrush swab tip, our new swabs now have a sponge tip. This sponge allows you to collect both cheek cells and saliva, which will give us a higher quantity and quality of DNA. In addition to the sponge tip, you may also notice the purple liquid inside the swab tube. This solution is designed to stabilize your dog’s sample until it reaches our laboratory. Once you have swabbed your dog, you will unscrew the cap, invert and place the swab into the tube, tighten the cap and mix your sample with the purple stabilization liquid.
3. Properly swabbing your dog
While these swabs might look different, the swabbing process is fairly similar to our previous swabbing process. However, it is important to thoroughly read our new instructions to ensure that you are correctly swabbing your dog, as well as correctly sending your sample back to our laboratory. By following each step of our instructions carefully, you can help ensure that we receive enough DNA from your dog to reduce the need for a re-swab, and to give you the fastest and most accurate results possible.
*** Helpful hint! The swab tubes are securely closed in order to prevent leakage of the stabilization liquid. If you have a hard time opening your tube after swabbing your dog, have a pair of pliers nearby to help you carefully uncap the tube. Remember to not let anything touch the tip of the swab in order to prevent contamination. ***
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this new swabbing method, please contact us by sending us an email at askus@pawprintgenetics.com, or give us a call directly at 509-483-5950 or toll-free 855-202-4889.