DNA Sample Collection Guides

Click here to watch a video about TSU collection.

DNA Sample Mailing Tips

(effective 2023 – all samples will be mailed to the lab – Neogen, 4131 N. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68504 )

Whole Blood Samples:

  • Collect at least 2cc of whole blood (not serum) in an EDTA purple top tube.  An anticoagulant is used in the purple top tubes to keep the blood from clotting.  Blood sent in any other type of tubes will NOT be processed for DNA analysis.
  • Clearly label the blood tubes with the animal’s ID and/or registration # (if available) or name.
  • It is important that blood samples be kept cold, but not frozen.  Blood samples should arrive at the laboratory within 48 hours of collection for best results.  Next day or second day shipping via UPS, US Postal Service Priority Mail, Federal Express, or DHL are recommended.  Samples that are collected a day prior to shipment should be kept in the refrigerator prior to shipment.
  • Please send these blood tubes in a box with padding to help prevent the tubes from breaking.

Blood Cards:

  • Using a blood card, place enough (~3 drops of) blood to saturate blotting paper within the circle.  Care must be taken to ensure that contamination does not take place from card to card. 
  • It is important that blood cards, wet with blood, are allowed to air dry (at least 24 hours) before closing the flap, and are not stacked before drying.  Cards have to be completely dry before shipping. Once dry, blood cards can be stored at room temperature.
  • It is recommended the blood cards be sent in a padded envelope or box. If the cards are sent in a regular envelope there is a chance the envelope may be damaged during the mail process and the cards may fall out of the envelope. 

Semen Samples:

  • Send at least one straw of extended semen or raw semen overnight on cold pack.
  • Semen straws should be protected from breakage during shipment by placing them in a semen cane, goblet, or empty ball point pen and packaged in a padded envelope or small box. 
  • Semen straws do not need to be shipped frozen, but they have to be packed in a crush-proof container.

Hair Samples:

  • Approximately 20-30 good follicles (those with the bulbs on the end of the hair and should be visible) are needed per animal.
  • Follow instructions on the back of a GeneSeek hair collection card for proper sample preparations.
  • Hair cards are also recommend to be sent in a padded envelope or box. If the cards are sent in a regular envelope there is a chance the envelope may be damaged during the mail process and the cards may fall out of the envelope.

TSUs

  • TSUs are recommend be sent in a padded envelope or box as well. If they are sent in a regular envelope there is a high chance the envelope may be damaged during the mail process and the TSU vials may fall out of the envelope.