For each cat to be tested, please use 4 cotton swabs or Q-Tips (purchased at local store or pharmacy). Wrap a piece of tape around the stem of one swab and use it as the first swab to take samples with. To collect DNA samples, simply follow the instructions below.
NOTE: Each sample will be bar coded when it enters the lab and specific information is anonymous to everyone but the owner. Privacy of client medical records is strictly enforced at DNA Diagnostics. DNA material left after testing would be split and archived at both DNA Diagnostics and Texas A & M.
NOTE: DNA test kits are no longer being mailed.
Please use the directions below to obtain your cats DNA samples for testing.
Printed instructions are available as a PDF file. |
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Visit your local pharmacy or drug store to purchase the necessity supplies to collect your cat's DNA. |
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Purchase a package of cotton swabs - the brand or type does not matter. You will need 4 cotton swabs per cat. |
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When removing the swab from a package, grasp only the stem and pull the swab out; avoid touching the cottony tip of the swab.
Using sharp scissors, cut the swab to remove the cotton tip at one end. You will need 4 swabs for each cat to be tested. |
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Open the cat's mouth and rub the inside of the cheek vigorously with the cotton swab to collect the cheek cells, not just saliva. Repeat, using the other 3 swabs - take samples using 2 swabs on each side of the cheeks.
Young kittens have a small area inside their mouth for taking buccal swabs. We suggest you do two swabs one day and the other two swabs the second day. |
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Set the swabs that have DNA on them on a paper towel to dry. Do not allow the swabs to touch one another. |
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Put the dried swab into a paper envelope, cotton tip side down. Seal the envelope.
Write the payment confirmation number on the printout, and staple a copy of the printed order confirmation, containing the data on the cat whose samples are enclosed, to the envelope.
If you plan to collect from more than one cat, wash your hands between cats to prevent any cross-contamination. Repeat the above procedure, using a clean paper towel for each set of swabs. Use a separate paper envelope for each set of swabs, each with the cat information stapled to it. |
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NEVER place any of the samples in plastic bags or plastic tubes.
The samples should be air dried and placed in paper envelopes and NEVER in any sort of culture media.
PLACING THE SAMPLES IN A PLASTIC BAG WILL DESTROY THE SAMPLES!! |
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Place the sample envelopes, with the printout of your submitted information stapled to each one, in a second envelope. Be sure to include your order confirmation number.
Mail samples to:
DNA Diagnostics, Inc.
P.O. Box 455
Timpson, TX 75975
NOTE: Please have the envelope weighed at the post office to ensure that the correct postage is applied when mailing samples. We suggest a "Return Receipt" or "Delivery Confirmation" option from the Post Office.
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