From what age is genetic testing possible?
A genetic test can, in principle, be conducted from the birth of an animal, as the genetic information is unchangeably fixed at this time. Therefore, the result of a genetic test remains valid throughout the animal's lifetime.
A blood sample can generally be taken at around 6-8 weeks of age, depending on the dog breed and your veterinarian's recommendation. A cheek swab can usually be performed on very young puppies. It is important to ensure that nursing puppies are separated from their mother for at least 1-2 hours before the swab is taken to ensure that the sample does not contain maternal cells.
What sample material can be used to perform a DNA test?
The most suitable material is an EDTA complete blood sample taken by your veterinarian. Your vet keeps a stock of suitable tubes at their offices. A cheek swab, i.e. a swab from the animal's oral mucosa, is just as suitable as a blood sample for dogs and cats. If you like, we can send you appropriate swab brushes free of charge. The animal's breeder or owner can take the cheek swab himself. However, we recommend having the swab taken by your vet, since he can confirm the animal's identity and therefore also officially evaluate the result of a genetic test. This may be important if selling puppies at a later date, for example. For horses, in addition to a blood sample, hair from the mane and tail with hair roots is also highly suitable for a DNA test.
What is important for shipping from countries which are not member of the European Union?
Concerning the import of samples (EDTA blood, buccal swabs etc.) to Germany from countries which are not member of the European Union: Particular provisions are necessary! Please contact us previously to the shipment preferential by phone (+49 (0)971 72020) or e-mail (labogen@laboklin.com)! If the samples are not sent properly costs of around 200 Euro can arise due to customs and/or official veterinary investigations. Thank you for your understanding!
Where can I get cheek swab kits?
If you like, we can send you cheek swab sampling kits free of charge. The sampling kit consists of a soft cotton swab that can be screwed into a corresponding transport tube. You can request these kits by telephone, the order page, the contact form or email. All we need to ship them is your postal address and the number of sampling kits you would like.
How reliable is the result of a genetic test?
A genetic test is one of the most reliable laboratory tests, with a test accuracy of >99%. Test accuracy is always based on the mutation to be detected and not on the clinical picture. A result obtained from a cheek swab is just as reliable as a result from a blood sample. In rare cases, it is possible that no result can be obtained from a cheek swab because the DNA content is too low. In such cases, we recommend sending another EDTA blood sample or an additional cheek swab. There will be no charge for the swab that could not be evaluated.
How can I assess the quality of the laboratory?
LABOGEN has many years' experience developing and conducting genetic tests, especially in the areas of hereditary diseases, colour analyses, DNA profiles and parentage, as well as sex determination in birds. A distinguishing feature of our high standard of quality is the fact that all the results of our genetic tests are checked and verified by two experts before being sent out. Our workflows are accredited according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005.
How is the test result reported?
Following analysis of the sample, you will receive an email with the result in the form of a written examination finding with interpretation of the result. The detailed findings will also be stored in your customer account.
Who receives the result?
The result is sent to the specified email address for the person who submitted the test, as well as being stored in the customer account in the "Orders" section. If submitted by your vet, your vet will receive the finding, and a copy of the finding will also be sent to the animal's owner, who also receives the bill. Naturally, all the results obtained in our laboratory are handle confidentially. Results will only be passed on to third parties after obtaining the express consent of the sender.
How are payments made?
Once the order is completed, initial payment is made securely and conveniently using PayPal. This enables us to process your order quickly without complications and to promptly provide you with the findings.
