Sample Collection & Packaging
We'll walk you through step-by-step DNA sampling instructions for horses, dogs, camels and alpacas, from hair roots to GOcard/FTAcard and buccal swabs to the veterinary EDTA blood sample. You'll also find guidance on how to pack your sample securely, so it arrives safely with us during postal shipping.
General Notes
Before you start sampling: these points apply regardless of the animal species and sample type and should be considered in advance.
Sampling Dog
Detailed Instructions – I’m New Here
Quick Summary – I’m Experienced in Sampling
GOcard/FTAcard blood card
Preparation
Fill in the GOcard/FTAcard (sender, animal name, chip/tattoo, signature).
Sampling
- Clean the ear (alcohol swab).
- Remove the lancet safety pin by twisting.
- Place the lancet firmly, then release.
- Wait for a blood drop, massaging towards the puncture site if needed.
- Apply blood to a clean GOcard.
- Allow the blood drop to air-dry.
Packaging
Pack the sample per animal in a separate plastic bag.
Mucous membrane swab
Preparation
Label the tube for the mucous membrane swab (animal name, owner, sample date, order number).
Sampling
- Open the tube by twisting and pull out the swab stick.
- Carefully insert the swab between cheek and gum.
- Rub the swab firmly against the inside of the cheek for approx. 20 seconds.
- Place the swab directly back into the tube.
- Repeat with a second swab.
Notes
- Take the sample at least 2 hours after the last meal.
- Do not let the swab contact anything other than the sample.
- Separate the animal from others to exclude DNA contamination.
- For puppies: take the swab only after weaning.
Packaging
No additional packaging of the sample tube is necessary. The swab is already sufficiently protected inside the sample tube.
EDTA blood sample veterinary staff only
Preparation
Label the tube for EDTA blood (animal name, chip number).
Sampling
- Draw 2–3 ml of blood.
- Carefully mix blood with EDTA by gently swirling several times.
- Please do not additionally seal the EDTA blood tube with Parafilm.
Notes
- Protect the sample from direct sunlight.
- If shipping later than 2 days: store the sample tube in the refrigerator.
Packaging
Pack the EDTA blood tube in a break-resistant transport sleeve.
Sampling Horse
Detailed Instructions – I’m New Here
Quick Summary – I’m Experienced in Sampling
Hair roots
Preparation
Sampling kit at hand? Fill in the back of the sample card (order number, sampler name, animal name, date sampled).
No sampling kit at hand? Create your own sample card: paper of your choice, handwritten with animal name, phone number for inquiries and the order number of the online order.
Sampling
- Pluck 60–80 mane or tail hairs (with hair roots).
- Fix hairs to the sample card with adhesive strip.
Notes
- Requirements for the hair before sampling: dry and free from styling products (ideal: four days after the last treatment).
- Hair collection: hairs with hair roots.
- Attaching hair to the sample card: well bundled, no contact with the hair roots, secured with adhesive tape.
Packaging
Pack each sample card in its own bag. If no plastic shipping pouch is available, use a paper envelope instead.
EDTA blood sample veterinary staff only
Preparation
Label the tube for EDTA blood (animal name, chip number).
Sampling
- Draw 2–3 ml of blood.
- Carefully mix blood with EDTA by inverting several times.
- Please do not additionally seal the EDTA blood tube with Parafilm.
Notes
- Protect the sample from direct sunlight.
- If shipping later than 2 days: store the sample tube in the refrigerator.
Packaging
Pack the EDTA blood tube in a break-resistant transport sleeve.
Sampling Camel
Detailed Instructions – I’m New Here
Quick Summary – I’m Experienced in Sampling
Hair roots
Preparation
Sampling kit at hand? Fill in the back of the sample card (order number, sampler name, animal name, date sampled).
No sampling kit at hand? Create your own sample card: paper of your choice, handwritten with animal name, phone number for inquiries and the order number of the online order.
Sampling
- Pluck 60–80 mane or tail hairs (with hair roots).
- Fix hairs to the sample card with adhesive strip.
Notes
- Requirements for the hair before sampling: dry and free from styling products.
- Hair collection: hairs with hair roots.
- Attaching hair to the sample card: well bundled, no contact with the hair roots, secured with adhesive tape.
Packaging
Pack each sample card in its own bag. If no plastic shipping pouch is available, use a paper envelope instead.
EDTA blood sample veterinary staff only
Preparation
Label the tube for EDTA blood (animal name, chip number).
Sampling
- Draw 2–3 ml of blood.
- Carefully mix blood with EDTA by inverting several times.
- Please do not additionally seal the EDTA blood tube with Parafilm.
Notes
- Protect the sample from direct sunlight.
- If shipping later than 2 days: store the sample tube in the refrigerator.
Packaging
Pack the EDTA blood tube in a break-resistant transport sleeve.
Sampling Alpaca
Detailed Instructions – I’m New Here
Quick Summary – I’m Experienced in Sampling
Hair roots
Preparation
Use a paper envelope of your choice and label it on the outside with animal name, phone number for inquiries and the order number of the online order.
Sampling
- Obtain two finger-thick hair bundles with roots from the tail area.
- Hold the hair bundles together with adhesive strip.
Notes
- Requirements for the hair before sampling: dry and free from styling products.
- If submitting hair samples from multiple animals: place each sample in a separate envelope.
Packaging
Pack hair-root samples for each animal in a separate paper envelope.
EDTA blood sample veterinary staff only
Preparation
Label the tube for EDTA blood (animal name, chip number).
Sampling
- Draw 2–3 ml of blood.
- Carefully mix blood with EDTA by inverting several times.
- Please do not additionally seal the EDTA blood tube with Parafilm.
Notes
- Protect the sample from direct sunlight.
- If shipping later than 2 days: store the sample tube in the refrigerator.
Packaging
Pack the EDTA blood tube in a break-resistant transport sleeve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sampling
When are GOcard/FTAcard and other carrier cards best suited?
Carrier cards such as the GOcard are especially well suited to simple sampling and straightforward shipping. With sufficient loading, all testing methods are possible. Main uses: early capture of whole litters for diagnostics and reference archiving, sampling at events, and internationally organised DNA programmes with easy shipping.
When are hair roots best suited?
Hair root samples are a good, easy-to-collect starting material for DNA testing in horses, camels and alpacas. What matters in every case is submitting a clean bundle with intact hair roots – the exact collection site and method for each animal is described in the respective animal section below.
When is EDTA-stabilised whole blood best suited?
Collection must be performed by veterinary staff – sample tubes are usually kept in stock at veterinary practices. An EDTA blood sample of at least 2 ml is especially recommended when extensive testing is planned, when portions of a sample will be forwarded to other laboratories, or when samples are being collected for scientific studies. Please note the higher storage costs associated with deep-freeze archiving.
When is a mucous membrane swab best suited?
With swabs, it isn't visible from the outside whether enough material has been collected. Follow the collection instructions carefully and, where possible, use only special swabs that let the sample dry inside the tube. Correctly collected swabs with sufficient material allow all tests to be carried out.