Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ section is provided for your information. Hopefully it will address most, if not all, of your questions. However, if you have other questions, feel free to contact us at info@CatGENES.org.
Q: What type of DNA collections are used for the VeriSNP™ test?
A: The preferred method for all testing is plucked hair or two to four buccal (cheek) swabs, but we are also capable of testing a variety of other sample types including blood.
Q: Why should I send the DNA from the mother of the kitten when I need the kitten parentage tested?
A: Though VeriSNP™ has been tested on both inbred and linebred kittens without the DNA from the kitten's mother, having the mother's DNA helps the test to have a higher power of exclusion because it isolates the sire's half of the DNA in the kitten's DNA. Of course occasionally, unless individually caged, kittens can be exchanged by their mothers so it is always better to have the mother's DNA for this reason also.
Q: What if the mother is unavailable for parentage testing?
A: If the mother is not available, parentage verification can be done. VeriSNP™ has been tested on both inbred and linebred kittens without the DNA from the kitten's mother with excellent results.
Q: How old should my kitten be before having it tested with the VeriSNP™ test?
A: All kittens and cats can be tested at any age.
Q: Does VeriSNP™ tell me the degree of purity or type of cat that I own?
A: Though VeriSNP™ has the ability to do this type of testing, it has not been conclusively validated on all cat breeds yet. It will not be available until that time.
Q: How long does it take to get VeriSNP™ results?
A: From the time samples are received at our laboratory, results are usually completed within 2 to 3 weeks.
Q: Can I order DNA testing online?
A: Yes, we will send you a DNA sample collection kit upon request and payment. Order the tests online.
Q: How is VeriSNP™ testing performed?
A: The VeriSNP™ technology we use is SNP/ Mutation Array testing. First we isolate pure DNA from the specimen (a cheek swab, blood, or hair sample) by removing all the proteins and other substances that can be found within a cell.
The DNA is then placed into an array along with fluorescently labeled known DNA fragments that are complimentary to specific SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) or mutations at various "loci" or locations on the DNA that enable the system to locate specific SNPs within genes located in the DNA to be tested. When incubated, the complimentary labeled DNA attaches to the sample DNA. After the DNA has been processed, it is placed in an Array imager. The results of the imaging produces a universal genetic evaluation for each individual. These test results are then exported to software that automatically records the testing results and parent verifies the sample if necessary.
Q: Why did CFA choose DNA Diagnostics, Inc. and Texas A&M University Animal Genetics laboratory for this ultimate genetic evaluation for its clients?
A. DNA Diagnostics, Inc. is the first laboratory in the world to develop and file a patent on this ultimate genetic test called the VeriSNP™ universal genetic evaluation. It combines all of the potential uses of DNA testing and combines it into one test. In a single test you can diagnose genetic disease, identify the animal, parentage verify the animal and determine valuable breeding information such as color. Additionally, DNA Diagnostics has partnered with Texas A&M Animal Genetics Laboratory to share the VeriSNP™ technology in order to encourage research and therefore develop new genetic tests. This partnering will provide an ever growing battery of tests within the VeriSNP™ universal genetic evaluation.
Dr. Melba S. Ketchum and Dr. E. Gus Cothran, directors of the respective laboratories, have combined experience of over 45 years in the animal genetics industry. Both have been laboratory directors for over 20 years. Both are members since the 1980s of the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG). Both have been elected by their peers internationally to chair various genetic committees established by ISAG both for companion and large animals. Dr. Ketchum's lab also provides human forensic and paternity testing and she was one of the analysts selected to analyze the mitochondrial sequences obtained from human remains found at the 9/11 World Trade Center Disaster.
Both DNA Diagnostics and Texas A&M laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art laboratory technology for performing the VeriSNP™ universal genetic evaluation in addition to many other types of genetic testing. For more information on our laboratories, please visit us at www.dnadiagnostics.com and www.cvm.tamu.edu/parentage/
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