| NOTE: It is IMPORTANT THAT
FOOD PARTICLES ARE NOT INCLUDED with the cheek and gum cells sampled
from the mouth. Sample cats when no food particles are present in
the mouth. In the morning before eating is ideal. Otherwise, wait
for at least 30 min. after eating for the food particles to clear
out of the mouth. |
A. Label the Brushes
Use the two brushes provided for each cat sampled. Label the
paper backing of each brush package with the cat’s name, and your
first and last name (or name of the Veterinary Hospital), using a
pen or permanent marker. |
 |
B. Taking the Samples
1. Remove the brush from the package. Use the two brushes provided
for each cat sampled.
2. Hold the brush handle between your
thumb and forefinger. Roll the inner surface of the upper lip to the
outside by inserting a finger in the corner of the mouth and pulling
the lip upwards.
Place the bristles of the brush on the
inner surface of the lip.
Release the lip, leaving the
brush inside the mouth and steady the cat’s muzzle by circling the
nose with one hand, gently keeping the cat’s mouth closed.
Move the brush back and forth for a short distance in the space
between the lip and gum, twirling the brush around with your thumb
and forefinger as it is moved back and forth. Do not push the tip of
the brush into the soft tissues of the mouth. The side bristles will
be brushing on the surface of the gums and inner side of the lip. |
 |
3. Continue for 20-30 seconds (about 20 to 30 back and forth
motions) using the same pressure you would use to brush your teeth.
Repeat sampling on the other side of the mouth using the remaining
brush. If multiple cats are being sampled wash your hands between
cat samplings. |
 |
4. After collecting the sample, the brush should look different than
the unused brush. The bristles may be darker in cats with pigmented
gums or you may see a light film on the brush bristles. An unused
brush is shown on the left, and a used brush on the right. |
 |
Tips
A few swipes will not get enough cheek cells to run the test! Be
sure to brush long enough. |
Returning the Samples
If time allows, let the brush air dry in a clean place for a few
hours or overnight. Carefully replace the brush back into the
package. Don’t forget to label the paper backing of each brush
package with the cat’s name. Use a piece of tape to help keep the
package closed, but do not seal tightly.
Test results will generally be available within one to two weeks, we
will notify you as per your instructions above.
Send in the labeled brushes, the information sheet, and payment to:
|
Standard US Mail
Veterinary Cardiac Genetic Laboratory (VCGL)
Washington State University
Post Office Box 605
Pullman, WA 99163-0605
|
Shipments via FedEx or Other Carriers
Veterinary Cardiac Genetics Laboratory
Washington State University
Attn: Dr. Kathryn Meurs
100 Grimes Way
Pullman, WA 99164-7060 |
Phone 509-335-6038
Email
VCGL@vetmed.wsu.edu
Follow this link and
complete the information about yourself and include with the samples
|
