Instructions for Collecting Cheek Swab DNA Samples*
Cheek Brush Sampling & Shipping for the MDR1 Test
It is
IMPORTANT THAT FOOD PARTICLES ARE NOT INCLUDED with the cheek and
gum cells sampled from the mouth. Sample dogs 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.
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When returning the sample, allow brushes to air dry for a few hours or
overnight. Carefully place them back in their packages and use a piece of tape
to help keep them closed, but do not seal tightly. If brushes are not allowed to
dry, they will mold and we will not be able to process the test. |
Label the brushes
Use the two brushes provided for each dog sampled.
Label the paper backing of each brush package with the dog's name, and
your first and last name (or name of the Veterinary Hospital), using a pen or
permanent marker.
Take the samples
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Remove the brush from the package.
Use the two brushes provided for each dog sampled.
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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. |
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Release the lip, leaving the brush inside the mouth and steady the dog's
muzzle by circling the nose with one hand, gently keeping the dog'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.
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 dogs are being sampled wash your hands between dog samplings.
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After collecting the sample, the brush should look different than the unused
brush. The bristles may be darker in dogs 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.
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Tips
A few swipes will not get enough cheek cells to run the test!
Be sure to brush long enough.
Include a completed
Submission
Form with the samples.
* PCR for this service is performed pursuant to an agreement with Roche
Molecular Systems, Inc.
US patents 6,790,621 and 7,393,643; Australian patent 2002249946; European
patent pending.
